Chasing Coffee: Joey Chase’s Global Journey Through 13 Episodes
Joey Chase is a filmmaker, explorer, and an entrepreneur who has a 25-year experience in the coffee business worldwide. He would eventually become exposed at a young age to international travel and influenced by the practical experience in coffee sourcing and supply chains, eventually developed a strong appreciation of coffee cultures both around the world and at home. This extraordinary combination of experience and curiosity made him come up with Chasing Coffee, a documentary series that addresses the path of coffee in various countries and communities.
Ethiopia: Addis Ababa and Rural Highlands
Joey started in Ethiopia which is regarded as the origin of coffee. He took part in traditional coffee rituals in Addis Ababa and other surrounding villages, where people roasted beans on open fires and learned how much coffee is a part of everyday life and the traditions of the community.
Kenya: Nairobi and Mt. Kenya Region
He then visited Kenya where he found the commercial as well as the cultural aspects of coffee. He went to coffee auction houses in Nairobi, and in the Mt. Kenya region, he observed the way farmers in the region are proud of their service of producing high-quality beans that make them have bright and complex flavors.
Colombia: Bogotá and Coffee Triangle
Joey visited the coffee Triangle and Bogotas in Colombia where he met the small-scale farmers, who hand pick coffee cherries. He was taught the virtue of consistency and detail that has seen the Colombian coffee being rated as one of the most revered in the world.
Brazil: Sao Paulo & Minas Gerais
Brazil provided another change of view, and its mass coffee production. In Brazil, Joey was able to observe mechanized harvesting and modern processing systems in Brazil in Sao Paulo, or Minas Gerais, where he was able to get a glimpse of how Brazil is able to sustain its status as the largest coffee producer in the world.
Guatemala: Antigua & Highland Farms
Joey spent some time in Guatemala, in Antigua and highlands where the volcanic soil and elevation combine to give the soil rich and complex coffee flavours. He linked himself with local farmers who use traditional and sustainable farming methods.
Costa Rica: Central Valley and Tarrazu
Costa Rica demonstrated innovation on coffee processing. Joey had visited green farms and mills where he read about such progressive methods as honey and natural processing that would add flavor to and make them more sustainable.
Boquete Region, Panama
Joey found the attention to detail in the specialty coffee industry, consisting of the high quality Geisha variety, in the Boquete region of Panama. This trip was a wakeup call to the extent to which premium beans are produced with regard to care and experiment.
Jamaica: Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains of Jamaica have shown Joey one of the most exclusive coffee areas in the world. The global image of the product is caused by the limited production, strict quality control, and unique growing conditions.
Hawaii: Kona Region
Joey ventured into coffee planting in the United States especially in Kona region in Hawaii. He could see the effects of volcanic soil and a special climate on the flavor and local farmers combine tradition and modern techniques.
Japan: Tokyo and Kyoto
Japan was moved towards the emphasis of production to craft. In Tokyo and Kyoto, Joey was exposed to exact preparation techniques and culture that considered coffee preparation as an art.
France: Paris Cafés
Coffee became a social matter in Paris. Joey noted the role of cafes as a place of conversation, rest and routine in the life of the Europeans which show the cultural significance of coffee in European life.
Italy: Rome and Milan
Joey was introduced to the espresso culture in Italy. He also went to Rome and Milan where he dabbled in the traditional espresso making and the haste coffee culture that characterizes the Italian life.
Turkey: Istanbul
His trip ended this journey in Istanbul, where he experienced traditional Turkish coffee. Prepared slowly and rich in history, this method demonstrated how coffee can carry centuries of cultural significance.
Conclusion Coffee as a Universal Story
The Chasing Coffee by Joey Chase is not just a documentary of a trip, but rather, it is a mission of his own, taking into consideration his knowledge on film, his career in coffee and his interest in cultures throughout his life. All throughout the year 2023, Joey travelled the globe, visiting the old rites of Ethiopia, the accuracy cafes of Japan and discovers the way coffee is cultivated, traded, brewed and celebrated all over the world. The fact that the series is so interesting is not merely the facts about beans, how to brew them, but the fact that Joey is able to get into each culture and taste and listen and learn right off of the people that live coffee day in day out. Through his findings, coffee is much more than a stimulant; it is a rite of passage, a source of income to millions of people, and a transition to old and new. At the conclusion of his 13-part journey, Joey helps us realize that any cup of coffee has a story, the story of a farmer, a family, a community, and that knowing the story will help us appreciate the drink we should take so easily. Chasing Coffee gives the audience a straightforward and yet very strong message; coffee brings us all together.
