This Week in Coffee: human milk banned, Great American Taste Test, DIY Espresso Machine
After a two week break due to my (sadly very real) job getting in the way: we're back. Winter is upon us in the Northern Hemisphere and a hot cup of coffee stands between me and the inevitable breakdown which has been in the post for at least ten years now. Peace.
The Big Three
World Barista Championship Update Rules and Regulations (no human milk allowed)
The woke mob has officially banned the breasticcino - my day is irrevocably ruined at this pathetic news.
On a more serious note, after last years' kerfuffle, the WBC have changed the rules to allow plant-based milk - news that will cheer up Oatley's Marketing team during this cold months.
The other important change is that this year, all milk must be steamed on the WBC-provided espresso machine which does rule out any new automatic milk steamers. Truthfully, the use of an automatic milk steamer was always unlikely at the WBC but they're clearly keen to keep sponsor-control over all major equipment being used.
James Hoffmann and Cometeer announce results of the Great American Coffee Taste Test
We'll let James speak for himself in this case.
Update on Redditor u/BVDVSS's DIY Espresso Machine
We love this project and really wanted to highlight a DIY espresso machine being shown off on Reddit.
Reading the comments and trying to analyse the images, this project is a heavily modified and reskinned Lelit PL41 with additional sensors added. Keep an eye on the project because she/he is looking to add additional micro-controllers for flow and pressure in the future.
Other news :