Brewing Guide

How to make the perfect cup of coffee - 
From Bean to Cup — Precision, Process, and Purpose.

 Core Fundamentals (Master These First)

 Coffee-to-Water Ratio

• • • Standard: 1:16 (1g coffee : 16g water)
    • Example:
      • 20g coffee → 320g water
      • 30g coffee → 480g water

 Adjustments:

• • • Stronger: 1:14–1:15
    • Lighter: 1:17–1:18

 Use a digital scale. This is the single biggest upgrade you can make.

 Water Temperature

• • • Ideal range: 195°F–205°F (90°C–96°C)
    • No thermometer?
      • Bring water to a boil
      • Let sit 30–45 seconds

Why it matters:

• • • Too hot → bitter, over-extracted
    • Too cool → sour, weak

 Grind Size (Critical for Extraction)

 Always use a burr grinder for consistency. Blade grinders create uneven extraction.

 Freshness

• • • Use beans 7–21 days after roast
    • Grind right before brewing
    • Store in:
      • Airtight container
      • Cool, dark place
    • Avoid fridge/freezer (moisture risk)

 Brewing Methods (Step-by-Step Mastery)

 French Press (Bold, Full-Bodied)

What You’ll Need:

• • • Coarse ground coffee
    • French press
    • Scale + timer

Step-by-Step:

1. 1. 1. Preheat press and mug with hot water
      2. Add coffee (e.g., 30g)
      3. Pour ~60g water to bloom
      4. Wait 30–45 seconds
      5. Add remaining water (to 480g total)
      6. Stir gently (once or twice)
      7. Place lid on (don’t plunge yet)
      8. Steep for 4 minutes
      9. Slowly press down plunger
      10. Serve immediately (don’t let it sit)

Flavor Profile:

• • • Rich, heavy body
    • Oils remain → more texture
    • Slight sediment (normal)

Pro Tips:

• • • For cleaner cup → skim foam before plunging
    • For stronger brew → extend to 5 minutes

 Pour-Over (Clean, Bright, Controlled)

What You’ll Need:

• • • Medium grind coffee
    • Dripper (V60, Chemex, etc.)
    • Filter + gooseneck kettle

Step-by-Step:

1. 1. 1. Rinse filter (removes paper taste + preheats)
      2. Add coffee (20g)
      3. Bloom with 40–50g water
      4. Wait 30–45 seconds
      5. Pour in slow circular motion:
         • Pour to 150g → pause
         • Pour to 250g → pause
         • Finish at 320g
      6. Total brew time: 2.5–3 minutes

Technique Focus:

• • • Keep water flow steady
    • Avoid pouring directly on filter edges
    • Maintain consistent spiral motion

Flavor Profile:

• • • Clean, crisp
    • Highlights origin notes (fruit, floral, chocolate)

Pro Tips:

• • • Faster flow = lighter body
    • Slower flow = richer extraction
    • Use a gooseneck kettle for control

 AeroPress (Versatile, Smooth, Travel-Friendly)

What You’ll Need:

• • • Medium-fine grind
    • AeroPress + filter

Standard Method:

1. 1. 1. Insert filter and rinse
      2. Add 17g coffee
      3. Pour 50g water → bloom (30 sec)
      4. Fill to 250g water
      5. Stir gently
      6. Steep 1–2 minutes
      7. Press slowly (20–30 seconds)

Inverted Method (More Control):

1. 1. 1. Flip AeroPress upside down
      2. Add coffee + water
      3. Stir + steep
      4. Attach filter cap
      5. Flip and press

Flavor Profile:

• • • Smooth, low bitterness
    • Balanced body
    • Highly customizable

Pro Tips:

• • • Short brew → brighter
    • Longer brew → deeper, richer
    • Great for experimenting

 Cold Brew (Smooth, Low-Acid)

What You’ll Need:

• • • Coarse grounds
    • Large jar or brewer

Step-by-Step:

1. 1. 1. Add coffee (100g)
      2. Add water (1100g) → 1:11 ratio
      3. Stir to saturate all grounds
      4. Cover and refrigerate
      5. Steep 14–24 hours
      6. Strain through filter or cloth
      7. Dilute to taste (1:1 with water or milk)

Flavor Profile:

• • • Smooth, mellow
    • Low acidity
    • Naturally sweet

Pro Tips:

• • • Longer steep = stronger concentrate
    • Store up to 7 days in fridge
    • Perfect for iced coffee

 Pro-Level Techniques

 Bloom (DO NOT SKIP)

• • • First pour releases trapped CO₂
    • Prevents uneven extraction
    • Always: 2–3x coffee weight in water

 Preheating

• • • Keeps temperature stable
    • Improves extraction consistency
    • Applies to:
      • Brewer
      • Mug
      • Server

 Clean Equipment

• • • Coffee oils turn rancid quickly
    • Rinse daily
    • Deep clean weekly

 Brew Time Control

 Troubleshooting Your Coffee

 Final Thought

Great coffee isn’t about expensive gear—it’s about consistency, intention, and small adjustments.

Dial in your process once…
Then refine it cup by cup.