A Very Deep Dive on Coffee w/ Sam Higby of First Ascent

A Very Deep Dive on Coffee w/ Sam Higby of First Ascent

Author: BLISTER August 17, 2022 Duration: 1:17:40

First Ascent Coffee Roasters might be best known for their instant coffee. So in this conversation, FA owner and partner and coffee roaster, Sam Higby discusses the difference between very good and very bad instant coffee; light roasts vs. dark roast; the brewing process; brewing coffee at altitude; how to make great coffee on a budget; and more.

TOPICS & TIMES

  • Sam’s background (4:25)
  • First Ascent Coffee (9:32)
  • History of instant coffee & what makes it good or bad (10:13)
  • Light Roasts vs Dark Roasts (22:17)
  • The roasting process (30:52)
  • Graders vs Sommeliers (34:22)
  • Hot sauce, hops, & dark roasts (37:16)
  • Brewing at altitude (42:13)
  • Grinding & Grinders (46:03)
  • Extraction / grind size (51:17)
  • Different brewing methods (54:23)
  • How to do good coffee on a budget (58:04)
  • Whiskey Taste (1:09:34)

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There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when someone has dedicated their life to making something tangible, driven by obsession over details most of us overlook. CRAFTED, from BLISTER, is built on those conversations. Each episode moves beyond a simple product review to explore the entire ecosystem of creation, whether the subject is a meticulously roasted coffee, a complex whiskey, a precision timepiece, or a bold new wine. You'll hear directly from the individuals who define these fields-brewers, distillers, founders, and artisans who started their ventures not because it was easy, but because they couldn't imagine doing anything else. This podcast digs into the raw materials, the failed experiments, the business risks taken on a principle, and the quiet triumphs that happen long before a product reaches a shelf. It’s about the philosophy embedded in the process as much as the technical skill. Tuning in feels less like listening to an interview and more like pulling up a stool in a workshop or a tasting room, offering an intimate look at the patience, setbacks, and unwavering standards that transform a simple idea into a crafted object. The stories are specific, but the themes of creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit are universal, connecting anyone who appreciates the depth behind a well-made thing.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 109

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