Brewing

There are numerous methods for coffee brewing.  All of them run water through coffee grounds to extract the highly volatile oils that give a cup of coffee its flavor. Although all of the various methods seem to brew coffee in the same way there are a number of key factors that affect the final cup. 

- Size of the grounds

- Time water is in contact with the grounds

These two factors determine the strength and quality of the drink.  Temperature of the water is also a key factor.  Water temperature for brewing coffee should be between 195° and 205°  Fahrenheit.

There are a number of different brew methods.  A few are: pourover, drip, French press, and espresso.

The essential basics when it comes to coffee brewing are this:

Ground size corresponds with the time the coffee is in contact with the water.

The smaller the ground the quicker the coffee is brewed, the larger the ground the more time is needed.  The goal when brewing coffee is to achieve the perfect cup.  If the coffee is under brewed the coffee can come out watery and bland.   If the coffee is over brewed it can become too strong and achieve a very overwhelming taste that loses the specific notes that the origin beans or blend intended to achieve.

Brewing even one blend of coffee a number of different ways can manipulate the flavors, body, aroma and acidity achieved in the final cup. 

A number of steps are required before you even begin brewing a cup of coffee.  Weighing out the right number of beans for the size of drink you are having, using high quality grinding equipment (burr grinders vs. blade), the temperature of the water, and the quality of the machines performing the brewing all are highly important in achieving a great cup of coffee.  

Espresso Grind

Drip Grind

Pour Over Grind

French Press Grind

Pour Over

French Press

Pour Over

French Press

Drip

Tasting of different grind types