James Hoffmann’s Coffee Books: Are They Worth the Read?
If you’re on a mission to enjoy better coffee, understanding more about it can elevate your appreciation, and what’s in your cup. As part of my own coffee journey, I decided to step beyond quick online searches and dive into a couple of books. Sure, reading requires a little more effort, but there’s something satisfying about flipping through a physical book, especially when it means less screen time.
After some research, I kept coming across one name: James Hoffmann. As a world-renowned coffee expert, Hoffmann has an impressive resume. Here’s how Wikipedia sums him up:
James Alexander Hoffmann is an English barista, YouTuber, entrepreneur, coffee consultant, and author. Hoffmann first came to prominence after winning the World Barista Championship in 2007 and has since been credited as a pioneer of Britain's third-wave coffee movement.
(For the record, I’m still figuring out what the “third-wave coffee movement” is, but hey—one thing at a time.)
The World Atlas of Coffee: A Deep Dive Into Coffee Origins
The first book I tackled was The World Atlas of Coffee. Visually, it’s pretty cool—think coffee-table book meets educational guide about coffee. If you judge books by their covers, this one won’t disappoint. More importantly, the content delivered with an in-depth exploration of coffee’s global roots and its journey from bean to cup.
Here’s what I learned:
What coffee beans actually are: Turns out, they’re seeds from the fruit of the coffee plant.
Where coffee grows: The regions, climates and challenges faced by coffee farmers shape the flavour of your brew.
The roasting process: Roasting plays a critical role in flavour, and freshness matters more than I realised.
One key takeaway was the importance of buying coffee from independent suppliers. Hoffmann underscores how this supports growers and ensures better quality, a reminder to be more thoughtful about something many of us treat as just another grocery item.
Perhaps the most eye-opening revelation? Freshness is everything. Coffee isn’t “bad” after its supermarket best-before date, but the flavour declines quickly after roasting. For peak taste, seek out suppliers who provide roast dates and ship promptly.
While The World Atlas of Coffee is undeniably informative, it’s a deep dive best suited for those truly passionate about understanding coffee on a granular level. If you’re curious about origins and global coffee culture, it’s a worthwhile read.
I know, a future in product photography awaits me.
How to Make the Best Coffee at Home: A Practical Guide
If The World Atlas of Coffee feels like a classroom, Hoffmann’s How to Make the Best Coffee at Home feels like a hands-on workshop. This was the book I enjoyed more because it focused on practical tips to improve your coffee game, right in your own kitchen.
Here’s what I loved about it:
Step-by-step guides: Clear instructions (with pictures!) for using equipment like a V60, French press or AeroPress.
Tailored advice: Hoffmann emphasises personal enjoyment over rigid “rules.” After all, coffee is a matter of taste.
Budget-friendly options: Whether you’re after something extra fancy or keeping it simple and straightforward, there are tips for all price points.
This book breaks down the basics in an approachable way, making it perfect for beginners. From selecting beans to fine-tuning brewing techniques, it offers actionable steps to elevate your daily brew. It’s also a great starting point if you’re aiming to experiment with more advanced methods down the line.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your goals. If you’re eager to understand coffee on a deeper level—its history, geography, and culture—The World Atlas of Coffee is a great read. However, if you’re more focused on improving your home-brewing skills, How to Make the Best Coffee at Home is practical, impactful and immediately useful.
For me, How to Make the Best Coffee at Home edged out as the favourite. Its practicality and emphasis on personal taste made it a standout. Both books offer something valuable, but this one has truly transformed my morning coffee routine.