Everyone loves coffee – but what is it that makes it so great? How can you tell the good from the bad? And how do you level up your daily coffee game? In our big DOWNTOWN Coffee Special, we’ll break down old ideas and build up new ones. Plus, we’ll explore which high-end products from the specialty coffee world are really worth the money. Join us and let’s become true coffee nerds together!

Do you know that feeling? Rather than suffering your way through a sad cup of flat white from your colleague’s cheap coffee maker, you smile politely and say, “Uh, today’s tea day for me” just to avoid regretting every sip later? If you can relate, you’re probably already deep into the coffee game. Whether you’ve been at it for ages or just started, the questions on your journey to the perfect brew at home are always the same: Which method suits me best – espresso machine, Bialetti, or filter coffee? Which beans are right for me – Fairtrade, organic, or from your local roaster? Why does my espresso taste so sour, as if someone poured vinegar into the water tank? And seriously, how do I nail that wonderfully creamy milk froth that baristas whip up in no time at my favourite café?

After countless brewing sessions, espressos, frothing attempts, and a pile of cash spent on a solid setup, some of us are ready to dive even deeper into the wonderful world of caffeine, and the questions get more refined: which high-end workshop can take my La Marzocco espresso machine to the next level, visually speaking? Does a € 3,000 grinder extract even more from my favorite beans from the local boutique roastery? Or is it all bollocks? Well, design is a matter of taste – literally. And dreams don’t always have to remain dreams.

As passionate coffee lovers – and you’re probably too, if you’re still reading – you’ve likely asked yourself one or two of these questions already. Is that right? Then it’s time to get excited: we’ve been on a quest for answers, hunting down the best coffee and the most intriguing products in the world of black gold. And we’ve discovered: not all coffee tastes the same, and latte art is far from the only artistic creation in this magical world. Most importantly, we’re eager to share our growing knowledge with you. Our big DOWNTOWN Coffee Special is packed with strong tips for beginners and enthusiasts alike, helping you get the most out of your coffee. No matter what level you’re at, we’re squeezing out a little more for you and diving in together. Even if your favourite café gets a bit jealous, we’ll give you inspiration for your “daily dose of caffeine,” sharing insights and secrets that are usually well kept behind closed café doors. Ready for your best coffee yet? Our collection of coffee stories, reviews, and tips & tricks is growing alongside our knowledge, so it’s definitely worth checking back in regularly. Let’s go…

You can find the full test at our sister magazine DOWNTOWN.


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Words: Felicia Nastal Photos: div.