Debate: Should you correct a barista's pour over technique or just stay quiet?

Last month at a third wave shop in Portland, I watched this barista do a pour over with water that was way too hot, like 208 degrees. I wanted to say something cause the coffee was gonna be bitter, but my friend said it's rude to critique someone's craft in their own space. So which side are you on, speak up about the temp or let it slide? Has anyone else been in that spot where you had to decide?

2 comments

2 Comments

schmidt.grace27d ago

Last year I was in a similar spot at a shop in Seattle where a barista was doing a pulse pour with way too long of an interval between pours. I used to be the type who would just let it slide and drink whatever came out. But one time I actually said something real chill like "hey do you have a thermometer handy, I think the water might be a bit hot" and the guy was super grateful because he had just started on the bar and was nervous about his technique. Changed my mind on this completely. It's all about how you say it, not if you say it. If you're polite and not acting like you know better than them, most baristas actually appreciate the feedback.

coran6327d ago

Respect goes a long way.