Coffee: The Fourth Wave by Asher Yaron & Scott Fields (Paperback)

You've probably heard the phrase “third-wave coffee.” But what would a fourth wave look like? Coffee: The Fourth Wave: A Fresh Roasting Revolution by Asher Yaron and Scott Fields asks that question and puts fresh roasting at home at the center of the conversation.

This 64-page paperback traces the authors' view of coffee's changing culture, from commercial distribution to espresso, origin, and small-scale roasting. Then it makes a case for what could come next: more people roasting their own coffee. It's a short perspective book for someone who enjoys thinking about coffee as much as drinking it.

What are the coffee waves in this book?

The authors use the idea of coffee “waves” to describe shifts in how people buy, prepare, and think about coffee. Their discussion moves through these themes:

• First wave: Coffee becoming more widely available through commercial distribution.
• Second wave: A greater focus on espresso equipment and the barista's role.
• Third wave: More attention to growing origins and small-scale roasting.
• A proposed fourth wave: Yaron's prediction that home roasting could become much more widespread.

A different way to think about freshness

If you already pay attention to the roast date on your beans, the next question might be what happens when roasting becomes part of your own routine. This book takes that idea beyond an equipment purchase and looks at it as a possible change in coffee culture.

The “fourth wave” is the authors' argument, not a settled industry definition. That's part of what makes it a conversation worth having. Read their case, consider your own coffee habits, and decide whether you see home roasting becoming a bigger part of everyday coffee.

Who is this coffee book for?

This is a good fit for readers interested in coffee culture, fresh roasting, and how the coffee hobby has changed over time. It may also interest someone who's curious about home roasting but wants to explore the idea before focusing on the mechanics.

Choose it for a perspective on coffee's direction, rather than a step-by-step roasting manual. At 64 pages, it's a compact read you can spend time with over a cup, then bring into your next conversation with another coffee enthusiast.

Book details

• Full title: Coffee: The Fourth Wave: A Fresh Roasting Revolution
• Authors: Asher Yaron and Scott Fields
• Format: Paperback
• Length: 64 pages
• Published: April 19, 2018
• Dimensions: 6 × 9 × 0.17 inches

You don't have to agree with every prediction to enjoy asking what comes next. That's a pretty good reason to put the kettle on and open a book.