Guide: How to Enjoy Your KaffeBox Advent Calendar to the Fullest

You’ve got your hands on our specialty coffee advent calendar, and now the excitement of tasting a new coffee every morning of Advent awaits you! We want to make sure you get the most out of each cup, so here are some useful advice and resources. 

Tip #1: Take your time to taste each coffee.

We know December is a whirlwind of holiday preparations, but finding a quiet moment to enjoy your coffee can turn your day into a mini-escape. Set aside a time, maybe in the morning or after dinner, to fully engage your senses. Take in the aromas before you sip. Let the flavors linger on your palate, and note how each coffee evolves as it cools. Writing down your thoughts on each brew can help you track which regions or roast levels you prefer.

Tip #2: Use a consistent brew ratio

Consistency is key when comparing different coffees. By using the same ratio you give each coffee the same foundation to shine. This way, the only variables are the unique characteristics of the beans themselves. If you don’t already, we definitely recommend you to use a scale; the precise measurement will help ensure you’re getting the best possible extraction from each brew. We suggest starting with a 12g coffee to 200g water ratio. However, in our office, we like to mix it up! Lene, for example, prefers a slightly lighter brew, using a ratio of 1:17.5 or even 1:18. Feel free to experiment and find the ratio that suits your taste.

Tip #3: Try your coffee at different temperatures.

One of the most fascinating things about coffee is how its flavor changes as it cools. You might start with a bright, fruity note when it’s hot, and as it cools other flavors may emerge. Try tasting your coffee at different stages, hot, warm, and room temperature, to fully experience its evolving profile. This is where a lot of the magic happens, and it can help you appreciate the complexity of each single-origin coffee.

Tip #4: Drink from an open cup

Did you know that 80–90% of what we “taste” is actually tied to our sense of smell? Drinking from an open cup allows the aromas to reach your nose, which will enrich your tasting experience. Avoid travel mugs or anything with a lid while you’re sampling these specialty coffees. Instead, use a wide-mouthed cup to let the fragrances release naturally. The combination of smell and taste will give you a much more immersive experience. 

Tip #5: Don’t throw away the tubes!

Don’t toss those tubes when you’ve finished the calendar! They’re perfect for reusing in the future. You can refill them with more coffee for a DIY advent calendar next year, or even use them as lightweight storage containers for coffee beans or spices. The design makes them great for gifting, too. It’s a small way to reduce waste and keep the coffee fun going long after December is over.

Tip #6: Decide if You Want to Taste Blind or Not

Each tube comes with a QR code that reveals all the details about your coffee, its origin, tasting notes, and more. But here’s a fun idea: why not try tasting the coffee first without knowing which one it is? Tasting blind can remove any preconceptions and let you focus purely on the flavors. Then, scan the QR code to see how close your impressions were to the roaster’s tasting notes. It’s a great way to sharpen your palate.

Tip #7: Feeling Social? Join the Discussion on Reddit

If you’re excited to share your thoughts or hear what others think about the advent calendar, head over to our subreddit, r/KaffeBox. It’s a community where you can discuss each day’s coffee, swap brew recipes, talk about your favorite brewing gear, and even get advice from fellow coffee enthusiasts. The KaffeBox team is active there too, so feel free to ask questions or share your experiences. It’s the perfect place to connect with others enjoying the same journey.

Tip #8: Join Our Instagram Broadcast Channel for Exclusive Content

Want the coffee info sent directly in your Instagram inbox? Join our Instagram broadcast channel, where we’ll share coffee info, behind-the-scenes content from the roasters, and other fun updates throughout the month. It’s a great way to stay connected, discover new brewing tips, and get a glimpse into the world of specialty coffee roasters. Follow along to enhance your advent calendar experience with extra content you won’t want to miss.

Some of these tips may seem simple, but they’re easy to overlook during the holiday rush. Our goal is to help you slow down and really enjoy this coffee journey through advent.

Happy brewing!