
The Tala Blog
Featured Article
Tala Libertyville’s Unit B Cupcakes
If you’ve ever had the privilege of tasting the Unit B latte, then you know that it can only be described as a warm, comforting hug. With that being said, there is no better treat to make a loved one than these cupcakes, for any and every occasion and celebration.
A Beginner’s Guide To Coffee Harvesting Seaons
Just like any other fruit, coffee is seasonal. There are portions of the year that coffee is being cultivated and another portion when coffee cherries are ripe for picking. Lucky for us, coffee is grown in many different countries around the world. Each country has a different harvest season, with some countries having multiple harvests per year.
La Victoria: Huila, Colombia
Each harvest season brings with it a rush of excitement as fresh crop samples roll in, but this year, our anticipation has reached new heights—especially for coffees coming out of Colombia.
Mastering Milk Steaming: The Art and Science of Perfect Coffee
As a barista, there’s a lot more to making a great cup of coffee than just pulling an espresso shot. One of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects is steaming milk to perfection.
“What’s a Gibraltar?” — A Tale of Two Names
It happens at least once a week.
Someone points to our menu, eyebrows raised. “What’s a Gibraltar?” they ask, half-whispering like they’re worried it’s a secret club they weren’t invited to.
Let’s start with this: a Gibraltar is just another name for a Cortado at Tala
Nano Genji #12 - Agaro, Ethiopia
There are coffees that are simply enjoyable—and then there are coffees like Nano Genji #12—a coffee that provides an experience. Available in a very limited release of just 250 pounds, this coffee is one that you’ll want to experience while you can.
Fazenda Boa Vista - Minas Gerais, Brazil
We are thrilled to introduce our first-ever, sweet, and beautiful coffee from Brazil! Fazenda Boa Vista, a flourishing farm nestled in the rolling hills of Ibiraci, Minas Gerais, has proven its vibrant coffee to be a force to be reckoned with among its competition across the country.
FUDAM - La Union, Nariño, Colombia.
This coffee from Nariño, Colombia is not just a coffee—it’s a testament to sustainable farming, community-driven progress, and a timeless flavor profile that never gets old.
Dialing In: Getting the best out of Your at-home Pour-Overs
This blog aims to equip you with the skills to understand troubleshooting and dialing in your pour-overs simply by taste.
Finca Angamaza : Loja, Ecuador
We are beyond thrilled to welcome back Finca Angamaza, a coffee that completely stole our hearts last year and has somehow returned even sweeter, richer, and more vibrant than before.
Going Green
Matcha has become an internet sensation over the last decade due to its photo-worthy beauty, unique flavor, and plethora of health benefits. But there’s much more than meets the eye when it comes to this tasty drink.
Mauricio Salaverria: Ahuachapan, El Salvador
Mauricio Salaverria has built a reputation for producing some of the most vibrant and beautifully balanced coffees in El Salvador, and this latest natural-processed lot is no exception.
Finca Los Naranjos: Ahuachapan, El Salvador
Finca Los Naranjos, nestled in the highlands of El Salvador, is a standout farm that has gained recognition for its dedication to cultivating exceptional coffee.
Espresso at Home - from Budget to Bougie
Making coffee at home is incredible fun. It can be relaxing, ritualistic, convenient, and comforting. Or, like myself, you are simply fascinated and enamored with the brewing process. Whatever the case, I’m here to guide you down the road of buying a new espresso set up.
Karimikui AA: Kirinyaga, Kenya
Kenya’s coffee story is as rich and complex as the flavors in your cup. Coffee likely grew wild in the region for centuries, but it wasn’t cultivated commercially until the 1890s, when Catholic and Protestant missionaries brought seeds from Reunion Island.
Decaf - How does it happen?
Decaf coffee commonly has a negative connotation. You hear sentiments such as “death before decaf” or “what’s the point without caffeine?” However, when it receives the same care as other coffees, decaf coffee can be delicious! Still, there are barriers that remain for someone interested in drinking decaf. Two main questions arise: “How is coffee decaffeinated?” and “Is it safe?”
La Bastilla: Jinotego, Nicaragua
La Bastilla, located in Jinotega, Nicaragua, is known for its deeply intentional and forward-thinking coffee production, and this coffee is a perfect example of their passion and focus.
Tesfaye Bekele: Guji, Ethiopia
We love this coffee for its flavors that take us back to those 2nd-grade lunchbox fruit cups, especially the peach ones in light syrup, paired with rich, complex Demerara sugar and ripe melon that lingers in the finish. This is undeniably delicious!
San Diego Mill: Tarrazu, Costa Rica
This coffee was noticeably sweet, effervescent, and creamy. "Cherry cola Italian soda" was the experience that immediately came to mind when I first tasted it.
Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee
If you’ve ever come to Tala looking to order an iced coffee, you were likely met with something along the lines of, “Unfortunately, we don’t carry iced coffee. Is cold brew okay?” At Tala, we empathize with the fact that having to change up your daily order can be jarring. But if you enjoy your coffee cold and black, we believe we're doing you a favor with our singular option.
Exploring the Coffee Bean Belt
Each region within the coffee bean belt offers unique growing conditions that shape the diverse flavors and characteristics of coffee. Factors such as soil composition, climate, altitude, and bean variety all contribute to the distinct profiles of coffees from these areas. This results in a rich tapestry of flavors, from bright and fruity to earthy and robust.