"Third Wave" coffee hits the tipping point

It's not often I know more about coffee than my friend Dave. More than a bean connessoir, he's also an expert on which cafes (and baristas) inspire the most aching sonnets. So when I asked if he had been to Stumptown yet, and followed up with a question about "3rd wave" coffee, I was surprised to see him stop in his tracks.

"There's a third wave?" He hollered, "What the hell were the first two waves?"

I defer to the experts - GQ sought them out and pulled together a slideshow fit for the masses.

Essentially - you buy first wave coffee at the grocery store, second wave coffee at Starbucks, and third wave from a roaster who can describe at great length the farm where the bean was raised, and the process used to roast it. (at least, thats how I interpreted various sources).

I have no idea what wave they are considered, but I've kind of had a crush on the Thanksgiving Coffee Company for over a year now. Hasn't helped my 3 days a week Starbucks habit, but still...