Coffee brewing is both an art and a science, offering a variety of methods to suit different tastes and preferences. Each brewing method brings out unique flavours and characteristics in the coffee, allowing single-origin and blended coffee enthusiasts to test different combinations.
In this guide, we'll cover some of the most popular artisan coffee brewing methods: French press, pour-over, AeroPress, and espresso. We'll also provide step-by-step instructions and tips for each technique to help you make the perfect cup of coffee.
French Press
The French press, also known as a cafetière, is a classic brewing method that produces a rich, full-bodied coffee. It involves steeping coarse coffee grounds in hot water and pressing the liquid through a mesh filter.
Instructions For French Press Brewing:
- Measure Coffee and Water: Use a ratio of 1:15, coffee to water. For example, if you use 30 grams of coffee, you'll need 450 millilitres of water.
- Grind Coffee: Use a coarse grind, similar to breadcrumbs.
- Boil Water: Heat water to about 93°C. If you don't have a thermometer, let the water boil and then allow to cool for 30 seconds.
- Add Coffee Grounds: Place the coffee grounds into the French press.
- Pour Water: Slowly pour hot water over the grounds, ensuring all grounds are saturated. Stir gently.
- Steep: Place the lid on with the plunger pulled up. Let it steep for 4 minutes.
- Press: Slowly press the plunger to separate the grounds from the coffee.
- Serve: Pour the coffee immediately to avoid over-extraction.
French Press Brewing Tips:
- Experiment with the steeping time to find your preferred strength.
- Preheat the French press with hot water before brewing to maintain the brewing temperature.
Pour-Over
The pour-over method is known for its clean and bright cup of coffee, emphasising the coffee's subtle flavours. This method involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a filter and allowing gravity to draw the water through the coffee.
Instructions For Pour-Over Brewing:
- Measure Coffee and Water: Use a ratio of 1:15, coffee to water. For example, if you use 30 grams of coffee, you'll need 450 millilitres of water.
- Grind Coffee: Use a medium-coarse grind, similar to sea salt.
- Boil Water: Heat water to about 93°C. If you don't have a thermometer, let the water boil and then allow to cool for 30 seconds.
- Prepare the Filter: Place the filter in the dripper and rinse it with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the dripper.
- Add Coffee Grounds: Place the coffee grounds in the filter.
- Bloom: Pour a small amount of water (about twice the weight of the coffee) over the grounds to saturate them. Let it bloom for 30-45 seconds.
- Pour Water: Pour the remaining water slowly and circularly, keeping the water level consistent. Pour in stages if necessary.
- Serve: Remove the dripper and enjoy your coffee once the water has fully dripped through.
Pour-Over Brewing Tips:
- Use a gooseneck kettle for better control over the water flow.
- Experiment with the pouring technique to find the optimal extraction.
AeroPress
The AeroPress is an easy-to-use portable brewing tool that produces a smooth, concentrated burst of speciality coffee. It can be used to make a variety of coffee styles, from espresso-like shots to lighter brews.
Instructions For AeroPress Brewing:
- Measure Coffee and Water: Use a ratio of 1:15, coffee to water. For example, if you use 30 grams of coffee, you'll need 450 millilitres of water.
- Grind Coffee: Use a fine to medium-fine grind, similar to table salt.
- Boil Water: Heat water to about 93°C. If you don't have a thermometer, let the water boil and then allow to cool for 30 seconds.
- Prepare the AeroPress: Insert a paper filter into the cap and rinse it with hot water. Assemble the AeroPress.
- Add Coffee Grounds: Place the coffee grounds in the AeroPress chamber.
- Add Water: Pour hot water up to the desired level. Stir the mixture for about 10 seconds.
- Press: Attach the plunger and press down slowly, applying steady pressure.
- Serve: Dilute with hot water to taste (if desired) and enjoy.
AeroPress Brewing Tips:
- Let the filled AeroPress sit a longer before pressing, steeper time and a stronger brew.
- Experiment with different grind sizes and brewing times to find your preferred flavour profile.
Espresso
Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. It is the base for many popular coffee drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos.
Instructions For Espresso Brewing:
- Measure Coffee: Typically, aim to use 18-20 grams of coffee for a double shot, which you'll find in most takeaway high street coffees.
- Grind Coffee: Use a fine grind, similar to powdered sugar.
- Prepare the Machine: Preheat the espresso machine and portafilter.
- Add Coffee Grounds: Place the coffee grounds into the portafilter and tamp them evenly.
- Extract: Lock the portafilter into the machine and start the extraction. Aim for a 25-30 second extraction time.
- Serve: Enjoy the espresso on its own or use it as a base for other coffee drinks.
Espresso Brewing Tips:
- Even tamping pressure is crucial for an even extraction.
- Use freshly ground coffee for the best flavour.
Experimenting With Different Brewing Methods
Exploring different speciality coffee brewing methods is a delightful journey that allows you to discover and appreciate diverse flavours and characteristics of blended and single-origin coffee. Whether you prefer the robust profile of a French press, the clarity of a pour-over, the versatility of an AeroPress, or the intensity of an espresso, each method offers a unique coffee experience.
By mastering these techniques and experimenting with things like grind size, water temperature, and brewing time, you can find your perfect cup of artisan coffee and take your daily coffee routine to another level. To get started, check out our range of single-origin and blended coffee varieties and select a grind type to suit your favourite brewing method.
