Bear & Bean

Journal

Notes from the roasting room.

Origin stories, brewing tips, gear opinions, and the occasional rant.

NEW · just published

Ethiopia Yirgacheffe: how to brew it without making it sour

The single most asked question about our most popular bean. Here's the actual answer.

2026-05-09 · 6 min read

Best home coffee grinders in 2026 (we tested 14)

An honest, no-affiliate review of every burr grinder under $1,000 worth considering.

2026-04-22 · 12 min read

Single-origin vs. blend: when each one wins

When you should reach for a single-origin bean, and when a blend is genuinely the right call.

2026-04-08 · 5 min read