Coffee Brew Guide - Learn How to Brew Coffee

Learn the fundamentals of brewing coffee

Freshness, grind, weight, temperature, and time all play an important part in the flavors extracted during the brewing process. With our brewing guide and a few rules of thumb you can get the most out of your beans at home. Let's get brewing

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Coffee Freshness

Start with freshly roasted whole beans - that is between 5-14 days of the roast date. Before this time, the beans are releasing carbon dioxide produced in the roasting process. Our bags have a valve that allows coffee to degas without letting oxygen in and keeps beans tasting fresh. Shop freshly roasted beans.

Coffee Storage

We do not recommend storing coffee in the refrigerator or freezer, as this damages the taste profile. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to preserve flavor and aroma. Air, moisture, heat, and light are the enemy of fresh coffee.

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Coffee Grind

Grind the beans immediately before brewing, according to the brewing method (see chart below). Even though we offer to grind your beans before we ship, we strongly suggest you get your own grinder for a better tasting cup.

Two types of grinders are on the market: burr and blade. Burr grinders crush the beans and the result is a more consistent grind size. This is your best option and it’s worth the investment.

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Weight your Coffee

Measure your coffee with a scale. The coffee to water ratio is key (see chart below). Each tablespoon holds about 5 grams of coffee, and a mL of water weighs about a gram, but a scale is the most precise.

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Water

Use filtered water if possible, brewed coffee is around 99% water, so use the good stuff. A simple filter for tap water will eliminate the effects of minerals, salt, and chemicals on the taste.

The water should be just off the boil: 195° for darker roasts, and 205° for lighter roasts. Any cooler and the coffee will be lifeless, flat, and sour. Any hotter and the coffee will be bitter, caustic, and harsh.

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Brew Time

Time your brew. Coffee that has brewed too long tastes bitter and harsh. On the other end, if not brewed long enough, it will taste weak and watery. Experiment with different times until you get a perfect cup.