tomevault-io New Coffee Research Skill
Systematically research a coffee and propose starting extraction parameters.
Adapted from gaggimate-barista by Charlie Hall.
Workflow
1. GATHER Coffee Info
If photo provided:
- Extract from label: roaster, coffee name, origin, roast date, tasting notes
- Note any visible processing info (washed, natural, etc.)
If text provided:
- Parse roaster and coffee name
- Ask for roast date if not mentioned
2. REVIEW Brewing Insights
Before researching externally, check what we already know:
- Read brewing insights:
manage_brewing_insights(action="read") - Read grind map:
manage_grind_map(action="read") - Look for coffees with matching attributes (origin, process, roast level)
- If a similar coffee was brewed before, leverage those learnings as a starting point
3. RESEARCH via Web Search
Search for the specific coffee to find:
- Processing method (washed, natural, honey, anaerobic)
- Origin details (country, region, altitude if available)
- Variety (Bourbon, Gesha, Caturra, etc.)
- Roast level (light, medium, dark) — infer from tasting notes if not stated
- Roaster's tasting notes
See: read_knowledge(action="read", filename="research/RESEARCH_CHECKLIST") for detailed research patterns, origin profiles, and variety extraction guidance.
4. SYNTHESIZE Recommendations
Load the relevant knowledge files via MCP tools and build recommendations:
- Temperature: From
read_knowledge(action="read", filename="ESPRESSO_BREWING_BASICS")roast guidelines - Pressure: From
read_knowledge(action="read", filename="PRESSURE_GUIDE")roast × processing matrix - Ratio: From processing method patterns (washed: 1:2, natural: 1:2-2.5, etc.)
- Profile: From
read_knowledge(action="read", filename="PROFILE_LIBRARY")by roast/process, adjusted for correct pressure - Dose: Based on user's basket size. Dose = basket size (e.g., 18g basket → 18g dose). Don't underdose.
5. CONFIRM with User
Before finalizing, ask:
"This [process] [origin] typically shines with [approach]. Would you like to start there, or prefer a more conservative/adventurous approach?"
Options to offer:
- Conservative: Classic profile, standard ratio
- Recommended: Profile matched to bean characteristics
- Adventurous: Bloom profile or turbo shot if appropriate
6. UPLOAD Profile (if requested)
Use MCP tool to upload:
manage_profile(action="create", profile_name="[Coffee Name] [AI]", temperature=X, phases=[...])
Always add [AI] suffix to profile names.
7. CREATE Coffee Tracking File
After researching and setting up a new coffee, create a coffee tracking file via MCP:
manage_coffee(
action="create",
coffee_name="[coffee-name]",
roaster="[roaster]",
origin="[country, region]",
process="[washed/natural/honey/anaerobic]",
roast_level="[light/medium/dark]",
variety="[if known]",
roast_date="YYYY-MM-DD",
bag_size="[e.g. 250g]",
roaster_notes="[tasting notes from bag/roaster]",
freshness_note="[e.g. 10 days off roast, in peak window]",
approach="[Profile name] at [temp]. [Pressure logic from PRESSURE_GUIDE]. Starting at grind [X], [dose]g in, targeting 1:[ratio]. [Why this approach suits this bean — connect origin, process, and roast level to the profile choice. If similar to a previous coffee, reference that experience.]"
)
The approach field is a narrative paragraph — not a table of numbers. It should explain
why you chose this profile/params for this specific bean, connecting the research to
the recommendation. Reference brewing insights from similar coffees if applicable.
This creates a persistent tracking file accessible in all future sessions via manage_coffee(action="read", coffee_name="<name>").
Output Format
## Coffee Research: [Name]
### Bean Profile
- **Roaster:** [roaster]
- **Origin:** [country, region]
- **Process:** [washed/natural/honey/anaerobic]
- **Roast Level:** [light/medium/dark]
- **Variety:** [if known]
- **Tasting Notes:** [from roaster]
- **Days Off Roast:** [X days, or "unknown"]
### Recommended Starting Parameters
| Parameter | Value | Reasoning |
|-----------|-------|-----------|
| Temperature | X°C | [roast level rationale] |
| Grind | Start at [general guidance] | [reasoning] |
| Ratio | 1:X | [process rationale] |
| Profile | [name] | [why this profile] |
| Dose | Xg in → Xg out | [basket size rationale] |
### What to Watch For
- [Specific guidance for first shot based on bean characteristics]
- [What taste outcomes to expect]
- [When to adjust and in which direction]
Quick Reference
User says: "I got a new bag of [coffee]" Action: Extract info → research → recommend → confirm → upload profile
User shares photo: Action: Vision extract → research → recommend → confirm → upload profile
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