Episode Details

For the perfect cup of coffee, you need good beans. In this bonus episode, we talk with Sum Ngai, co-founder of Coffee Project New York and certified Q-grader (it’s like a sommelier, but for coffee!), to demystify the art of choosing a bean you’ll love. 

Sum breaks down everything a novice needs to know to shop with confidence, from decoding mysterious tasting notes, to understanding why you should avoid brewing coffee that was roasted too recently.

Plus, learn what to expect from coffee grown in different regions and why buying whole beans is the move for a better morning cup.

Additional reading and listening: 

• Stop Making Bad Coffee
• Our Favorite Coffee Subscriptions
• The 4 Best Pour-Over Coffee Makers of 2026 
• 5 Cheap(ish) Things to Upgrade Your Coffee Experience
• The 4 Best Coffee Grinders of 2026

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