Matcha has been all the rage lately, and for good reason! Coffee enthusiasts were invited to learn about the artistry of matcha and discover its rich history, benefits, and true flavor. The attendees learned how to make ceremonial-grade matcha and much more thanks to Aiya, Victoria Arduino and Alpro.

Just like coffee, my first experience with matcha wasn’t great. It tasted bitter, earthy, and had a strange fish-like smell. Milk helped mask these flavors to a certain degree, but I couldn’t quite understand why matcha beverages were becoming so popular.

And then recently, my perception changed when I discovered a matcha brand that made me realize I haven’t tasted the right grade matcha all along. Discovering the right ceremonial-grade matcha is like entering another rabbit hole, similar to my journey in specialty coffee.

An experience I didn’t realize was needed. A bite of the pastry, a sip of the coffee, there’s no harmony between the two. This is why food pairing is important. This is where Blacksmith Coffee Roastery comes in and answers the problem I didn’t know needed solving. Three pairings — each coffee brewed differently and paired with a dessert that does not overshadow each other.

The cafetiere, also known as a French press, offers a time-honoured way to brew rich and delicious cups of coffee. While seemingly simple, this brewing method has several nuances that, when perfected, yield an exceptional result. The experts at Howden Coffee share five tips for brewing a masterpiece in your French press.