Perfect Your Brew: Tips from Your Favorite Coffee Crew!

*Whole Bean Wins for Flavor: If possible, buy whole beans and grind them just before brewing. This makes a HUGE difference in taste and aroma.

*Store Smart: Keep your beans in an airtight, opaque container at room temperature. Avoid the fridge or freezer, as moisture and odors can spoil your coffee. Our resealable bags are designed for this!

*Small Batches are Best: Don't buy more coffee than you can use within 1-3 weeks after opening for optimal freshness.

*Water Quality Matters: Your coffee is 98% water! Filtered water is highly recommended over tap water, which can contain chlorine or minerals that affect taste. Avoid distilled water, as some mineral content is good for extraction.

*The Golden Ratio: A great starting point for coffee-to-water ratio is 1:15 to 1:18 (e.g., 1 gram of coffee to 15-18 grams of water). Experiment to find what you like best! A kitchen scale is your best friend here.

*Water Temperature is Crucial: For most brewing methods (except cold brew), the ideal water temperature is between 195-205°F (90-96°C). Too hot, and you can scorch the grounds; too cold, and you'll get underextracted, weak coffee. Let boiling water sit for about 30 seconds before pouring.

*Pre-infuse (Bloom): When you first add a little hot water to your coffee grounds, you'll see them "bloom" (puff up and release CO2). This is important for even extraction and better flavor. Let it sit for 30-45 seconds before adding the rest of your water.

*Brew Time: This varies by method.

*French Press: Around 4 minutes.

*Pour Over: 2.5 - 4 minutes.

*Drip Machine: Check manufacturer's instructions, usually 4-6 minutes.

*Aeropress: 1-2 minutes (can vary greatly).

*Keep it Clean: Clean your brewing equipment regularly (grinder, brewer, carafe) to prevent old coffee oils from turning rancid and affecting the taste of your fresh brew.

*PRO TIP: Brew a pot of coffee and place coffee into ice cube trays. Use these when making iced coffee or to cool down hot coffee so your coffee doesn’t get watered down!

*Invest in a Good Grinder: A burr grinder (as opposed to a blade grinder) will give you a much more consistent grind size, leading to a more even and flavorful extraction. This is often the single biggest upgrade you can make to your coffee setup.

*Experiment with Brewing Methods: Don't be afraid to try different brewing methods! Each one highlights different characteristics of the coffee.

*Coarse Grind (like breadcrumbs): Best for French Press, Cold Brew.

*Medium Grind (like coarse sand): Ideal for Drip Brewers, Chemex, Clever Dripper.

*Fine Grind (like table salt/sugar): Perfect for Espresso, Moka Pot, Aeropress (short brew time).

*Extra Fine Grind (like flour): Turkish coffee.

*Don't Be Afraid to Adjust: If your coffee tastes too bitter, try a coarser grind or shorter brew time. If it's sour or weak, try a finer grind or longer brew time. Small adjustments can make a big difference.

*Try it Black First: Before adding milk or sugar, take a sip of your coffee black to truly appreciate its inherent flavors.

*Aroma: What do you smell before you even take a sip?

*Body: How does the coffee feel in your mouth? (Light, heavy, syrupy?)

*Acidity: Is there a brightness or tanginess? (Not to be confused with sourness from underextraction).

*Flavor Notes: Can you pick out any specific flavors? (Chocolate, nutty, fruity, floral?)

"My Coffee Tastes Weak/Watery":

Possible Causes: Grind too coarse, not enough coffee, water temperature too low, brew time too short.

Solutions: Try a finer grind, increase coffee-to-water ratio, ensure water is hot enough, extend brew time slightly.

"My Coffee Tastes Bitter/Burnt":

Possible Causes: Grind too fine, too much coffee, water temperature too high, brew time too long, dirty equipment.

Solutions: Try a coarser grind, reduce coffee-to-water ratio, let water cool slightly off the boil, shorten brew time, clean your equipment thoroughly.

"My Coffee Tastes Sour":

Possible Causes: Underextraction – often due to grind too coarse, water temperature too low, or brew time too short. (Distinguish from pleasant acidity in light roasts).

Solutions: Try a finer grind, ensure proper water temperature, increase brew time.