Cape Coffee Beans Podcast

In this episode of the Cape Coffee Beans Podcast, we interview Jason Zeeman, the co-founder of the South African Specialty Coffee Expo. We talk about Jason's background in the music industry and how his love of coffee was born. We also learn how he came up with the idea for a Specialty Coffee Expo and how he organised the first event. Jason and Phaedon also discuss how the Specialty Coffee Expo has evolved, and what it is about the expo that has won over the industry and so many coffee lovers. Whether you've attended one of these events or not, you will definitely enjoy learning a bit more about this special entrepreneurial venture in the South African coffee space. You can find out more about the Specialty Coffee Expo, including upcoming event dates at https://www.specialtycoffeeexpo.co.za/ If you are listening in the run-up to the 2024 Cape Town Specialty Coffee Expo, you can get 20% off your ticket by using this link (Ts & Cs apply).

In this episode of the Cape Coffee Beans Podcast, we chat to Kyle Sinclair, one of the founders of Mylo Coffee Company, the designers of Mylo Speciality Grinders. Tune in to hear Kyle's story, from passionate coffee drinker to equipment supplier. We discuss what goes into a great coffee grinder, and how Mylo went about designing its hand-grinders. We dive deep on questions like burr geometry, the impact of grind consistency on flavour, and the other factors that influence the flavour of the coffee in your cup. You can find Mylo's amazing hand grinders on the Cape Coffee Beans website and also purchase them in-person at our store.

In this episode, we are not only joined by our first coffee-farming guest, but also someone who is growing specialty coffee in South Africa! Des Wichmann is busting all kinds of preconceptions about coffee farming, successfully growing specialty lots at sea level in KZN on Mpenjati estate. While there is  a lot to learn about coffee farming in this episode, there may be even more lessons about entrepreneurship. Des has taught himself how to grow, pick, process, and even roast coffee, without a big community of coffee farmers around him. Listening to him talk about how he has experimented, rolled up his sleeves and just learned through experience is quite inspiring. You may be able to find Mpenjati coffees to try at Cape Coffee Beans, at certain times. You can also learn more about Mpenjati on the company's website. You can even visit if you're in the area. Unfortunately, we were not able to find the article written by Dylan Cummings that was mentioned in the episode. Here is a link to the documentary about growing coffee in LA that was mentioned from Vice (Munchies).

In this episode of the Cape Coffee Beans Podcast, we are joined by Winston Thomas, South African Barista Champion and previous podcast guest. We are also joined by Leigh Wentzel, Winston's co-founder at Cedar Coffee Roasters. In this episode, we get to know both founders a little better and dive into the story of how Cedar got started. Winston & Leigh explain their ambitions for Cedar, as well as how they plan to grow a slightly different, second-generation South African specialty coffee business. We touch on everything from their approach to coffee to their go-to-market strategy. It's a fascinating conversation both from an industry perspective and from the perspective of the consumer. If you'd like to support Cedar by buying some of their coffee beans, you can find their full range available at Cape Coffee Beans. You may also enjoy listening to the previous episode with Winston Thomas.