A passion (or “thirst”) for new experiences is great, but you should, in addition, have solid knowledge. This advice can apply to almost any situation, and surely it’s something worth taking to heart amidst the coffee-making process. Find that healthy balance.
In doing so, you’ll have enough information to know what you’re capable of creating, and you won’t find yourself in a lackluster cul-de-sac. Spending time now to understand brewing will save you time in the end.
Even so, it’s difficult (and sometimes dangerous) to speak of perfection, for how, after all, could we ever hope to pinpoint the ideal coffee?
In all likelihood, your preferences will alter along the path, and though we’ll never all agree on what’s “best” per se, your palate will improve. It’s a long journey, and that passion is just the fuel you’ll need for your studies. Sometimes, you’ll come to a dead end, and further progress will seem impossible. In such cases, the best course of action it is to get your hands on some new study materials, or talk to a well-informed friend. With any luck, you may just have a “coffee guru” in your midst. They’re not so very rare.
But if you wish to go your own way—not only trace some else’s trip—it’s good to have a handful of gurus . . . and also: explore on your own!
Here’s my view on the learning process;
For me, it’s like dealing with a stubborn string of Christmas tree lights. First, you need to untangle the mess, and then you check each bulb for problems. Having done so, you’re ready to shine—recalling, of course, that decorations can always be supplemented.
Two of the most important words for brewers are focus and consistency. Throughout the process of coffee making, you should be fully present: focusing consistently. We shouldn’t ever expect perfection, but still we always ought to seek it, fully investing ourselves in the monumental artform at hand.