Every freelancer or creative I know has a coffee routine, and if they don’t, they’re probably thinking about starting one. Coffee, communications, and freelancing all go hand in hand. It fuels the work, frames the rhythm, and sometimes, keeps us human.
I know it seems like an easy win, grab a Dutch Bros gift card, toss it in a card, and call it good.
If you care about good coffee, you know the grinder matters. A lot.
My first real experience with a Keurig was at my in-laws’ house. It seemed convenient at the time, but the coffee never tasted great, and over time, it started to feel more like a compromise than a convenient solution. Fast forward a few years, and even they’ve upgraded to a Moccamaster.
I travel a lot, sometimes for work, sometimes with my family as we bounce between Hawaii and New England. And whether I’m in a hotel, an airport, or a quiet cabin somewhere, I’m somewhat reluctantly not willing to compromise on coffee.
If you’re like me, you probably bought a Baratza Encore because everyone said it was the best entry‑level burr grinder. Yet when you first try a pour‑over, the results can be all over the place. That’s because the Encore has 40 settings ranging from extra‑fine to extra‑coarse , and the Hario V60 is sensitive to grind size. After lots of experimentation (and a few over‑extracted cups), I finally dialed in the grind that made my morning coffee sing. Below is what I learned about pairing the V60 with the Encore.
If you’ve ever bought a bag of “premium” high quality coffee beans at the grocery store and been disappointed, you’re not alone.
Let’s be honest, most people start their coffee journey with a pod machine or a basic drip brewer. I’ve been there too. And for a while, it works. It’s easy, convenient, and feels like an upgrade from instant.