new-coffee - SKILL.md Agent Skill

name: new-coffee description: > Use when this capability is needed. metadata: author: julianleopold

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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