As a self-professed coffee lover, few things excite me more than discovering a great coffee shop. I enjoy tasting a wide range of beans, blends, and styles—whether it’s an artisanal single-origin drip or the latest seasonal release from Starbucks.
Today I want to about one of my favourite coffee shops. And I’ll introduce some interesting vocabulary for English learners at the same time!
Vocabulary for English Learners
- Self-professed (Adjective): Describing someone who claims something about themselves, often without proof or official recognition.
- Example: He is a self-professed expert in wine tasting.
- Artisanal (Adjective): Referring to products made by hand with traditional methods, usually in small quantities.
- Example: The bakery sells artisanal bread made with organic ingredients.
- Single-origin (Adjective): Coffee made from beans sourced from one specific region or farm, offering distinct flavors from that area.
- Example: I prefer single-origin coffee because of its unique taste.
- Seasonal release (Noun): A product available only for a limited time based on seasons or special events.
- Example: The coffee shop’s pumpkin latte is a seasonal release in autumn.
- Passion (Noun): A strong enthusiasm or love for something.
- Example: His passion for cooking inspired him to open a restaurant.
- Stumble upon (Phrasal Verb): To find or discover something by chance.
- Example: I stumbled upon an old bookshop while walking through the city.
- Variety (Noun): A specific type or category within a larger group.
- Example: The restaurant offers a wide variety of desserts.
- Collection (Noun): A group of similar items gathered together.
- Example: She has a large collection of vintage postcards.
- Rare (Adjective): Uncommon or not often found.
- Example: It’s rare to find fresh truffles in this region.
- Unique (Adjective): One of a kind or unlike anything else.
- Example: This café has a unique menu with international dishes.
- Produce (Verb): To grow or create something, often agricultural products.
- Example: Colombia produces some of the best coffee beans in the world.
- Coincidence (Noun): An event that happens by chance, without being planned.
- Example: Meeting my friend at the airport was a complete coincidence.
- Market stall (Noun): A small, temporary shop set up in an open market.
- Example: She sells homemade jewellery from her market stall.
- Stock up (Phrasal Verb): To buy a large quantity of something for future use.
- Example: We need to stock up on groceries before the storm.
- Opt for (Phrasal Verb): To choose one thing over another.
- Example: I opted for the vegetarian option at the restaurant.
- Sought-after (Adjective): Highly desired or in demand.
- Example: This brand of sneakers is very sought-after among collectors.
- Floral (Adjective): Having the scent or taste of flowers.
- Example: The tea has a floral aroma with hints of jasmine.
- Acidity (Noun): The quality of being sour or sharp in taste, often used to describe coffee or wine.
- Example: This coffee has a bright acidity with citrus notes.
- Profile (Noun): A detailed description or characteristic of something.
- Example: The coffee has a complex flavour profile with chocolate undertones.
- Connoisseur (Noun): A person with expert knowledge and appreciation of a particular thing, such as food or art.
- Example: He is a wine connoisseur with years of experience.
- Attention to detail (Noun): Careful consideration of small parts to ensure high quality.
- Example: Her attention to detail makes her an excellent designer.
- Savor (Verb): To enjoy something slowly, appreciating its full flavor.
- Example: He savoured every sip of the freshly brewed coffee.
- Brew (Verb): To prepare a drink like tea or coffee by mixing it with hot water.
- Example: I love brewing my own coffee in the morning.
- Appreciation (Noun): Recognition and enjoyment of the value or quality of something.
- Example: He has a deep appreciation for classical music.
An Extraordinary Coffee Shop
Last year, I stumbled upon an incredible coffee shop in a nearby city. The owner was a fascinating individual with a passion for finding rare and delicious beans.
He had travelled widely and made connection around globe in search of unique varieties. He wanted to offer coffee lovers something beyond the usual, and it’s clear he succeeded.
When I visited his shop, I was amazed to see over 100 different varieties of coffee on display. Naturally, there were beans from famous coffee-producing countries like Brazil and Ethiopia, but what really blew me away were the more unexpected options.
Have you ever tried coffee from East Timor, Malawi, or the tiny island of St. Helena? I hadn’t even known these places grew coffee, yet they were part of this amazing collection.
A Lucky Coincidence at the Market
Yesterday, I decided to stop by the shop to buy a few bags of beans. Unfortunately, I arrived too late—it was already closed.
However, by sheer luck, the owner had set up a stall at a local market near my house the very next day! It was a delightful surprise, and I took full advantage of the opportunity to stock up.
My wife ordered a cup of Cameroonian Red Mandrill, a coffee known for its fruity, slightly nutty flavour. I opted for a cup of Peruvian Geisha, a rare and highly sought-after variety with floral and citrusy notes. Both cups were exceptional with complex and delicate flavours.
Stocking Up on Unique Beans
I also purchased some beans to enjoy at home over the next few weeks. I picked up a bag of Ethiopian washed beans, known for their acidity and floral aromas.
On top of that, I bought four small tasting packs to explore new flavours. These included:
- Mexican decaffeinated coffee
- East Timor coffee
- Honduran beans
- Haitian beans
I can’t wait to brew them all.
Why I Love This Coffee Shop
Every bag of coffee tells a story—of the farmers who grew them, the regions they came from, and the journey they took to reach the shop.
For example, when I selected the Haitian coffee tasting pack the owner mentioned how challenging it was to source this coffee. Since Haiti’s recent earthquakes, he had to wait and try to build connections again!
Final Thought
I’m excited to try these beans over the next few weeks. If you ever find yourself near a great coffee shop, I highly recommend stopping by and trying something unique!
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This blog post was inspired by a recent Instagram post on the Thinking in English account. Out of all social media platforms, I am most active on Instagram.
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