Many workers arrive at the office with a take-out cup of coffee and then wait eagerly for the agreeable aroma signaling time for a break and another opportunity to imbibe their favorite drink. Some people enjoy a cup of tea or a cold beverage to quench their thirst. For others, the cup of office coffee provides a feeling of well being and enjoyment and energizes them for the rest of the day.

A favorite topic of discussion and gentle rivalry around the water cooler is the influence of coffee on its devotees. Those who indulge are armed with every possible argument proofing the positive impact of their brew of choice. Not to be outdone, those who abstain have lined up their own theories.

More levelheaded analyses have looked to the product itself. Where the bean is grown and how it is brewed appears to have a significant impact on the quality and the goodness of the product. Correct roasting of the beans is absolutely key to a good brew. If the flavor is too bitter or has a tang of burnt beans, no one will drink it.

Although people talk about the beverage in a very general way, there are as many types of beans as there are types of grape. Just as particular grapes grow in specific areas and the flavor will be different if grown on the north side of a hill inside of the south side, so beans differ according to where they have been grown. Considering that this is a significant agricultural product in 80 different countries across three continents, across many latitudes and at many altitudes, it is not surprising that there is such a difference dependent on origin.

It is not surprising that, like a good wine, many people can predict quality according to the origin of growth. For some aficionados, a single
blend from a single region produces the best results. Others believe that the flavor and aroma can be vastly improved by blending beans grown in different climates. Because these are subjective judgments, the only criteria for success can really be sales, although this is dependent on marketing and other factors.

Despite the fact that weather and other seasonal issues have a significant impact on a crop, the master roaster is the one who can make or break a crop. In the past, he used to roast a small batch of beans at a time. Technology allows him to monitor the roasting process and therefore roast larger quantities at a time. Nevertheless, his work is central to the success of a crop.

Having selected the beans, all attention is focused on roasting. Like a pot of milk on the stove, too much heat will cause the milk to boil over and leave your kitchen smelling of burnt milk, while too little heat will leave the milk cold. When an entire batch of beans has been over roasted, the smell and flavor of burning beans adheres to the end product. Under-roasted beans are simply too green and too bland to have flavor.

Such is the dependency of a farmer and his workers on the skills of his master roaster, that his engagement with the crop can mean success or failure to the farmer. It can mean that the planters and pickers enjoy good rewards or that they work for a pittance. In those countries, where this product is the highest earner of foreign currency, he has a special responsibility.

It would be really great if all bosses provided their workers with the very best cup of office coffee that you can. They, in turn, will appreciate the flavour and aroma and you will see the inspiration in their work. Do not forget that there are farmers, planters, pickers and roasters who really hope you enjoy their beverage as much as they enjoy the rewards of your purchase