Learn to Brew

Coffee Brewing Guides

Master the art of coffee brewing with our step-by-step guides. Great coffee starts with quality beans, but brewing technique makes all the difference.

The Golden Rules of Great Coffee

Use the Right Ratio

Start with 1:16 ratio (1g coffee to 16g water). For example, 20g coffee to 320g water. Adjust to taste.

Water Temperature

Ideal brewing temperature is 195-205°F (90-96°C). Boil water and let rest 30 seconds before brewing.

Grind Fresh

Grind coffee just before brewing. Pre-ground coffee loses flavor quickly. Match grind size to brew method.

Quality Water

Coffee is 98% water. Use filtered water for best results. Avoid distilled or heavily mineralized water.

Pour-over coffee brewing

Pour-Over (V60 / Chemex)

The pour-over method offers exceptional clarity and highlights the unique flavors of single-origin coffees. With precise control over water flow and temperature, you can brew a clean, complex cup.

Brew Time: 3-4 minutes
Grind Size: Medium (sea salt)
Best For: Bright, fruity coffees

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Prepare & Rinse

Place filter in dripper and rinse with hot water. This removes paper taste and preheats the brewer. Discard rinse water.

2

Add Coffee

Add 20g of medium-ground coffee. Shake to level the bed. Place dripper on scale and tare to zero.

3

Bloom (0:00-0:45)

Start timer. Pour 40g of water in a spiral motion to saturate all grounds. Wait 30-45 seconds for bloom.

4

First Pour (0:45-1:15)

Pour in slow, steady spiral to 200g total. Pour from center outward, avoiding the edges.

5

Second Pour (1:15-2:00)

Continue pouring to 320g total. Maintain steady pour rate. Keep water level consistent.

6

Drawdown & Serve

Allow water to fully drain through (should finish around 3:00-3:30). Remove dripper, swirl carafe, and enjoy!

French Press

Immersion brewing produces a full-bodied, richly textured cup. The French press is forgiving, consistent, and perfect for morning routines.

Brew Time: 4-5 minutes
Grind Size: Coarse (breadcrumbs)
Best For: Bold, full-bodied coffees
French press coffee brewing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Preheat & Measure

Preheat French press with hot water. For 500ml press, use 30g coarsely ground coffee.

2

Add Coffee

Discard preheat water. Add coffee grounds to empty press.

3

Add Water

Start timer. Pour 480g of water (just off boil) over grounds. Ensure all coffee is saturated.

4

Stir & Cover

At 1:00, gently stir to break crust. Place lid on press with plunger pulled all the way up.

5

Press & Serve

At 4:00, slowly press plunger down. Pour immediately to avoid over-extraction.

Espresso brewing

Espresso

Concentrated, intense, and complex. Espresso requires precision and practice, but rewards you with an incredible range of flavors in a small package.

Brew Time: 25-30 seconds
Grind Size: Fine (powdered sugar)
Best For: Blends & darker roasts

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Preheat Machine

Ensure machine is fully warmed up (15-20 minutes). Flush group head with water. Preheat portafilter.

2

Dose & Distribute

Dose 18g of finely ground coffee into portafilter. Distribute evenly using WDT tool or gentle tapping.

3

Tamp

Tamp with consistent pressure (about 30lbs). Surface should be level and even.

4

Lock & Extract

Lock portafilter into group head. Start extraction immediately. Target 36g out in 25-30 seconds.

5

Evaluate & Adjust

Taste and adjust. Too fast = grind finer. Too slow = grind coarser. Sour = extract longer. Bitter = extract shorter.

Cold Brew

Smooth, sweet, and low-acid. Cold brew is perfect for hot days and makes a concentrated base for iced coffee drinks.

Brew Time: 12-18 hours
Grind Size: Extra coarse
Best For: Chocolate-forward coffees
Cold brew coffee

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Measure Coffee

Use 1:4 ratio for concentrate. For 1L of water, use 250g extra-coarse ground coffee.

2

Combine & Stir

Add coffee to large jar or pitcher. Pour room-temperature or cold water over grounds. Stir to ensure all grounds are saturated.

3

Steep

Cover and refrigerate for 14-16 hours. Longer steep = stronger, more bitter. Shorter = lighter, sweeter.

4

Filter

Strain through fine-mesh filter or coffee filter. Filter twice for clearer brew.

5

Dilute & Serve

Dilute concentrate 1:1 with water or milk. Serve over ice. Concentrate keeps refrigerated for 2 weeks.

Grind Size Reference Chart

Extra Coarse

Cold brew

Coarse

French press, percolator

Medium-Coarse

Chemex, Clever dripper

Medium

Pour-over, drip coffee

Medium-Fine

Aeropress, siphon

Fine

Espresso, Moka pot

Extra Fine

Turkish coffee

Coffee Storage & Freshness

Airtight Container

Store coffee in an opaque, airtight container to protect from oxygen and light.

Cool & Dark

Keep at room temperature in a pantry or cupboard. Avoid heat, light, and moisture.

Never Freeze

Don't freeze or refrigerate coffee. Temperature fluctuations create condensation and ruin flavor.

Use Within 3-4 Weeks

Coffee is best consumed within 3-4 weeks of roast date. Buy smaller quantities more often.

Ready to Brew Better Coffee?

Start with fresh, high-quality beans roasted to order.

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