Krakow

The air in Krakow buzzed with anticipation as we laid out the cupping bowls and silver spoons. We were joined by DRWakefield traders Phil and MT, experts who bridge the gap between remote coffee origins and the cups we hold. This wasn't a sterile trade event; it was a homecoming for the speciality coffee community in Poland. We began our journey at TEKTURA, where the clinking of spoons signaled the start of a grueling yet exhilarating three-day tour. The Ritual of the Cupping Table As we transitioned from Krakow to the vibrant streets of Wroclaw, the ritual deepened. At Paloma Coffee, we saw firsthand how cupping serves as the universal language of the industry. It isn't just about identifying acidity or body; it is about the stories Phil and MT share from Honduras and Brazil. These traders live alongside producers, and that connection transforms a simple tasting into a masterclass on global heritage. The crowd favorite emerged quickly: the Costa Rica Las Palomas, a bean that captured every palate in the room with its distinct profile. Breaking Barriers in Warsaw The climax of our tour reached its peak in Warsaw at Cophi. Breaking with tradition, we moved the entire cupping table onto the sidewalk. Taking the technical precision of professional tasting into the public eye felt revolutionary. Passersby witnessed the focus required to evaluate a classic Brazil alongside complex micro-lots. The energy was electric, proving that the speciality coffee scene in Poland is not just growing—it is booming. Respecting the Journey We concluded the tour exhausted but inspired. The true lesson of these three days is that quality in the cup requires a relentless respect for the supply chain. When roasters and baristas meet the traders who know the farmers by name, the coffee tastes better. Technical skill is vital, but the soul of the brew lies in the community that gathers around the table to honor the hard work of the origin.