Tradecraft takes Scout readers into the workshops, kitchens, and toolkits of Vancouver’s most talented crafts-people. From trusty pencils and custom-built machines to good luck charms and bespoke chef’s knives, this new column aims to get to the bottom of every creative attachment. No laptops or cellphones allowed!

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Today we hear from Will Wang, co-owner of Propaganda Coffee at 209 East Pender St. in Chinatown. Propaganda is one of the most uncompromising – and therefore consistent – coffee shops in all of Vancouver, and we count ourselves as regulars. While Will’s Modbar “tap” espresso machine would certainly qualify as a tool (we’ve coveted it since we first laid eyes in its curves on opening day back in early 2015), we’re glad he’s focused on the ancillary essentials instead…

1. Scale | “A scale can be use at every step of the coffee brewing process, from weighing the dose of the coffee to the amount of water used, to the yield of the resulting cup. Using a scale allows us to have precise control over these variables and repeat them for consistency. Much like a bartender’s jigger, for example, it ensures that the ratio of coffee to water is always the same.”

2. Timer | “A timer tells us the brew time of each coffee; This is not only useful for knowing when to plunge a French press, it also allows us to monitor the brew time for a pour-over or a shot of espresso. Knowing the speed at which water is flowing through the coffee in a given amount of time allows us to make adjustments to keep flow rate consistent.”

3. Tamper | “A tamper is used to compact the bed of coffee during espresso preparation so that the initial flow of high pressure water doesn’t blast the coffee apart. Although only used for espresso preparation, a tamper is probably one of the most customizable and most personalized tool. From controversial attributes that may or may not reflect of the flavour of the cup – such as tamper base diameter and shape – to cosmetic customizations, every barista has his or her own preferences.”

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