The Tala Blog
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Coffee Varietals Explained
The cup you drank this morning had a lineage. It came from a specific plant, with a genetic history, grown at an elevation, selected by the farmer for particular reasons. And almost none of that appears on the label. The varietal of a given coffee is an entrance into the story of that lineage.
Finca La Primavera: Huila, Colombia
Finca La Primavera is managed by Orlando Osorio, a second-generation coffee producer who grew up working alongside his parents in Huila. In 2015, he took a decisive step, purchasing his own 12-hectare farm at 1,800 meters above sea level to build something independently. Today, Orlando cultivates Colombia, Cenicafé, and F6 varieties across roughly 9,000 trees.
Carlos Cadena: Veracruz, Mexico
Through our nine-year partnership with Cafe Imports, we’re often able to taste exceptional coffees before they’re widely released. When their team shared this natural lot from Veracruz, we immediately knew it fit our style. The cup is crisp and structured, with vibrant acidity and a remarkably clean finish. It bursts with bright, fruit-forward character and lively sweetness, yet remains transparent.
Behind The Scenes With Courtney
Our “Behind The Scenes'“ series highlights one of our production team members, celebrating their unique contribution to the Tala experience. We believe the connection behind and across the bar can be meaningful and impactful. Our production team is the glue that holds Tala together, and we wouln’t be who we are without them. Learn more about what makes each person on the Tala Team unique with this personal interview.
Nguisse Nare: Sadama, Ethiopia
There are coffees that impress on paper, and then there are coffees that stop you mid-sip. When the latest fresh-crop Ethiopia arrivals came through our friends at Crop to Cup, this lot from Nguisse Nare immediately stood out. Exceptional traceability. A remarkable score. An experimental anaerobic process executed with clear intention. But impressive details only go so far. What mattered most? The cup. And from the very first brew, it absolutely delivered.
Long Miles - Bumba Hill: Kayanza, Burundi
Some coffees you admire from afar. Others you wait for. And then there are the ones that feel almost fated — the lots you’ve tasted in years past, remembered fondly, and quietly hoped would one day return to your cupping table.
For us, coffees from Long Miles Coffee have always lived in that category. Pun fully intended — we’ve been waiting long for Long Miles. And finally, the moment has arrived.
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.
We’ve Got A Lot Of Mugs
They say a cup of coffee is only as good as the vessel it’s consumed out of — or at least, I say that.
As a chronically indecisive human in both coffee and everyday life, I’ve laid out my ideal lineup of Tala drinkware based on practicality and usage, acting as my determinant, go-to guide for choosing the perfect coffee-consuming vessel each day, hopefully it’ll help you too!
A Cozy Comeback - Meet The Igloolong
Meet the Igloolong, our newest winter seasonal drink, and a true Tala success story.
What originally started as one of our Winnetka café’s exclusive winter drinks quickly became a fan favorite, ultimately earning it a permanent spot on our Winter Seasonal Menu this year.
Winter Drink Menu 2026
Letting go of the holiday drinks feels easier when winter brings a lineup this good. Our 2026 Winter Seasonal Drinks lean into warmth, balance, and depth—built for cold days and slower moments. This is the time of year when we get to fine-tune and experiment, creating some of our most thoughtful and layered drinks. The result is a menu that feels comforting yet intentional, meant to be enjoyed one sip at a time. Read on and find the winter drink you’ll be craving next.