I don’t know if it’s because I started tasting coffee at the delicate age of two—yes, two—in Ethiopia, the very birthplace of coffee itself… or if it’s simply destiny. Whatever the case, I have long since accepted (ahem, self-diagnosed) that I am, in fact, a coffee snob.

My holiday wish lists, oh, just a rotating catalog of coffee accessories, brewing gadgets, and whatever artisanal beans I am currently obsessed with. My credit card statement even reads like a love letter to the coffee (and tea) industry.

All this to say: I am a proud, coffee snob—and honestly, I believe the people who don’t drink coffee are the real unhinged ones.

So imagine my delight when I waltzed into the Nespresso boutique for my usual monthly restock and spotted something new shimmering on the shelves: Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye collaboration with Nespresso, also known as the Samra Origins project. Naturally, I embarked on an immediate deep dive. Research is important.

First of all, the in-store sample? Heavenly. Balanced, smooth, kissed with honey notes. And the best part? They let me taste it even though it was my third coffee of the day.

---

Beyond Coffee — Experience & Culture

If you haven’t guessed by now, I am a devoted Nespresso enthusiast. I adore how the brand continues to champion sustainable sourcing through its AAA Sustainable Quality Program—which actually supports coffee farmers rather than just pretending to on Instagram.

This collaboration isn’t just a celebrity sticker slapped onto a capsule sleeve; it’s a genuine cultural and creative partnership. For The Weeknd, it’s a tribute to his Ethiopian roots, his family, and his artistic evolution. And Nespresso? They went all in—they’re even the headline sponsor of his world tour. Music and coffee… honestly, is there any more glamorous pairing? (add CHAMPAGNE)

And of course, Nespresso couldn’t just stop at capsules (get it?). No, they created an experience.

They opened a Samra Origins Vinyl Café in Soho, and I am deeply offended that I have not teleported myself there yet.

Picture it:

• Music curated by The Weeknd
• Listening stations and a DJ booth
• A tasting bar (my natural habitat)
• And—brace yourself—a limited-edition vinyl pressed with actual coffee grounds

Yes. Coffee. In the vinyl.
If that isn’t art, what is?

The record even includes a special version of “Give Me Mercy.”

Oh, and because Nespresso is extra (my favorite quality), they also dropped a co-designed Vertuo POP+ espresso machine to match the vibe.

Needless to say, I practically sprinted to pick up the merch—hello, travel mug and tumbler—both now proudly available in stores.

Until next time, when I inevitably return with another chapter of my coffee obsession, I’ll leave you with a tease:

Next up, I’ll be sharing what all true coffee snobs know according to my friend CHATGPT.

1. Freshness is everything

Coffee lovers know that beans have a “peak flavor window.”
Ground coffee loses aroma fast, and stale beans are obvious the moment you open the bag.

2. Grind size can make or break a cup

Aficionados understand that:

• Fine grind = stronger, slower extraction
• Coarse grind = lighter, faster extraction
  And mismatched grind size is the #1 cause of “bad coffee.”

3. Water matters more than most people think

Good water (balanced minerals, no off-flavors) is just as important as good beans.
Coffee people notice immediately when water tastes “flat” or “chlorinated.”

4. Temperature controls flavor

Coffee lovers know:

• Brewing too hot = bitter
• Too cool = sour
  They appreciate that ~90–96°C (~195–205°F) is the sweet spot.

5. You can’t truly replicate a good café drink with cheap gear

Even if people pretend you can, enthusiasts know that:

• Burr grinders beat blade grinders
• Fresh beans beat supermarket bags
• Milk steaming is an art, not a button

6. “Dark” doesn’t mean “strong,” and “light” doesn’t mean “weak”

Coffee lovers understand the difference between:

• Roast level (flavor profile)
• Strength (extraction and ratio)

Light roast can be the strongest “kick” if brewed right.

7. Crema, aroma, and mouthfeel all tell a story

Real enthusiasts evaluate a sip by:

• Aroma
• Sweetness/acidity balance
• Body
• Aftertaste
  They don’t just say “It’s good”—they know why it’s good.

8. Black coffee reveals the truth

Not that every coffee lover drinks it black, but they know that milk and sugar can hide flaws.
They appreciate testing a new bean straight.

9. Coffee is a ritual, not just a drink

Whether it’s:

• Pour-over technique
• Espresso dialing
• The morning mug routine
  Coffee lovers understand that part of the experience is the method itself.

10. There’s always “just one more level” of obsession

Coffee people know the rabbit hole never ends.
Once you dial in grind, you start thinking about:

• Water chemistry
• Distribution tools
• Burr geometry
• Bloom techniques
• Extraction curves

There is always another upgrade. Stay caffeinated, darling.

Always Have, Always Will ~ Kalie