Scott Rao on Quality, Q Ratings, & Coffee

Scott Rao on Quality, Q Ratings, & Coffee

Author: BLISTER December 11, 2024 Duration: 1:13:50

Scott Rao is one of the most influential people in the world of coffee, coffee roasting, and coffee brewing. Scott is also the owner of Prodigal Coffee (located in Boulder, Colorado), and in this conversation, we dive deep into specific coffee topics and discuss the pursuit of quality in general.

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RELATED LINKS:

Prodigal Coffee

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TOPICS & TIMES:

Scott’s Entry into Coffee (2:43)

Quality (8:30)

Coffee, Wine, & Tea (16:42)

Rating Systems (21:26)

How to Store Coffee (26:19)

Should You Freeze Beans? (31:37)

Light Roasts (34:32)

Dark Roasts (37:33)

Complexity (39:35)

Conscientious Consumerism & Coffee (42:46)

Espresso, Whiskey, & Fine Tuning (45:58)

Prodigal’s Approach to Quality (52:06)

Politics, Coffee, & Quality (58:40)

Scott’s Current Coffee Interests (1:06:28)

Quality and Perfection (1:08:35)


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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: 100

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