What Makes Coffee Actually Good? (For YOU)

It Smells Better Than It Taste — a quiet coffee newsletter where I share what I’m learning about coffee, curiosity, and daily rituals, this channel is an extension of that space: https://www.itsmellsbetterthanittaste.com/ Everyday Beans is about finding joy in coffee: one cup at a time. I’m an engineer turned roaster, a self-proclaimed mad scientist behind the brewer, and someone endlessly curious about coffee: and life. I share my wins, misses, and discoveries so you can explore your own journey through coffee. I've been reflecting on my coffee journey lately, and something's shifting. After exploring light roasts, chasing gear, and following all the specialty coffee rules, I'm realizing my love for coffee is more limited—and more specific—than I thought. This video is an honest look at where I'm at with coffee: what I actually like, what I don't care about anymore, and why I'm challenging myself to understand my palate beyond just saying something is "good" or "bad." Key moments in this reflection: Why light roasted coffees lost their appeal for me The medium roast revelation (but only certain ones) Moving beyond gear obsession toward palate understanding Why I haven't pulled espresso in three months (and I'm fine with it) The challenge: understanding WHY I like what I like Putting yourself back in the driver's seat of your coffee journey This isn't about telling you what's best. It's about discovering what's best for YOU. Your palate is unique to you, just like mine is unique to me. I'm done chasing gear and specialty coffee trends. Instead, I'm diving deeper into understanding my own taste, my own preferences, and what coffee truly means to me beyond the hype. What does coffee mean to you? Are you still chasing gear, or have you found your coffee sweet spot? Do you understand why you like certain coffees and not others? Let's talk about it in the comments. Share your coffee journey, your preferences, the coffees that make you sing. This is a conversation, not a lecture. Let's figure this out together. Timestamps 0:00 - Intro: My Coffee Journey Reflection