The Tala Blog
Featured Article
Why We Love Cold Brew
Although specialty coffee over the last decade has slowly embraced the merits of cold brew, there was a time when cold brew was a specialty faux pas. That was about the time when we opened Tala, and unashamedly planted our flag on the team cold brew.
August Events 🗓
August is here, and we're making the most of every last bit of summer. Long evenings, iced coffee in hand, weekends spent outside, and a calendar full of reasons to gather — there's still plenty of the season left to enjoy before routines shift and fall settles in.
Read what’s brewing this month.
June Events 🗓
As summer gets underway, we’re excited to share a fresh lineup of events designed to help you soak it all in. From community celebrations and local pop-ups to new drink menus, plenty is happening this month. We can’t wait to spend another summer with you! ☀️
Read what’s brewing this month.
Is It Coffee… Or Sangria?
The first time someone explained coffee fermentation to me, I nodded politely in the way people do when they absolutely do not understand what’s happening but would still like to appear employable in a specialty coffee setting.
May Events
As the weather turns, we’re excited to offer an exciting lineup of events this month to ring in spring, help you defrost, and treat yourself after braving yet another Chicago winter.
Read what’s brewing this month.
Debunking the Aftermath of your Cup of Joe
There are times when you have those big plans, the ones that require you to be wide awake and ready to go, and you think coffee is just the little treat you need. You order, you drink, you enjoy, you wait, anticipating the subtle alertness that is sure to come. And nothing. You drink your coffee, and not only do you not feel energized, but you still feel sleepy. So what happened?
April Events
As the weather turns, we’re excited to offer an exciting lineup of events this month to ring in spring, help you defrost, and treat yourself after braving yet another Chicago winter.
Read what’s brewing this month.
March Events
March always feels like the deep breath before the exhale. The light lingers a little longer, the air softens (just slightly), and we start emerging from full-on winter mode. After months of bundling up and keeping cozy, it finally feels like we’re stepping out of hibernation — and we’re celebrating the best way we know how: with coffee, community, and a lineup of events at Tala.
Read what’s brewing this month.
February Events
The mornings feel colder, the days feel shorter, and the motivation to leave the house ultimately feels… negotiable. But if there’s one thing we believe, it’s that the best way to get through the cold months is by filling them with warm drinks, good company, and experiences that make you forget about the temperature entirely.
How Do I Get Better at Tasting Coffee?
If you’ve ever taken a sip of coffee and wondered how some people can pick out tasting notes like peach, jasmine, and caramelized sugar, you’re not alone. Tasting coffee is a skill — one that develops over time.