"Third Wave Coffee"

GQ Magazine recently published an online slide show about "third wave coffee," the current trend toward super-premium coffees, such as small batch roasts, artfully crafted espresso drinks and direct-from-origin beans. It profiles a handful of top-notch coffee purveyors across America and shares some of the secrets of what makes their quaffs so incredible. The overall gist of the article is this: If you are interested in getting into good coffee, now is the time. I couldn't agree more! Let's get you started:

GQ's Coffee Slide Show
Espresso Drinks 101
Non-Espresso Coffeehouse Drinks 101
How to Store Coffee

Mark Overbay, Marketing and Communications Manager at Counter Culture Coffee, had this to add about the "Third Wave Coffee" movement:

Since a hallmark of "Third Wave Coffee" is a focus on quality in the cup and the terroir associated with specific origins, production methods, and preparation styles - as opposed to consumption alone - I'm personally enthused that the movement toward quality and conscientious consumption has earned a name that has staying power. It's encouraging to see the growing number of talented people around the world contributing to the expansion of this quality-centered, experiential approach, which celebrates the craftspeople, artisan farmers, baristas, and others in the coffee chain responsible for creating the end results in the cup. In essence, it is the de-commodification of coffee, which I believe is a move toward a healthier, higher-quality, and more sustainable coffee trade and food system.

Photo (c) Lindsey Goodwin