Obsessive Compulsive Coffee Disorder » Drip

How to Brew for French Press

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:03:24 +0000

Here’s a great video by James Hoffman of Square Mile Roasters on how to brew for French Press. This is the method that I have been using for quite awhile and it greatly improves the cup. It’s easy to “over brew” with the French Press and end up with a bitter cup. Follow these steps and you should be good.

Videocast #2 – French Press Technique from James Hoffmann on Vimeo.

Dropping the Autodrip in favor of Manual brewing

admin — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:24:43 +0000

Dropping the Autodrip in favor of Manual brewing.

Brewing at home lets coffee lovers control many variables that affect flavor is a great article for those wanting to make the switch from autodrip makers to manual coffee brewing. Manual brewing allows for more control over the process, which can result in a much better tasting cup of coffee. This article provides a basic summary of the variables that manual brewing allows you to control.

One note regarding the grinding section. The time description for grinding implies that one is using a whirly-blade type grinder. If at all possible, a burr grinder will provide the best grind. Whirly-blade grinders are the type where you dump in the beans, push a button, the blade spins like a helicopter blade, and essentially chops the beans in little bits. The longer you hold the button the smaller it chops the pieces. This type of grinder produces inconsistencies in the grind size, which leads to underextraction and overextraction and ultimately affects the taste of coffee. To acheive really good tasting coffee, a burr grinder is essential.

Brewing at home lets coffee lovers control many variables that affect flavor is a great article for those wanting to improve the taste of coffee they prepare in the home by switching to manual brewing. Manual brewing allows for more control over the process, which can result in a better tasting cup of coffee. This article provides a basic summary of the variables that manual brewing allows you to control.

One note regarding the grinding section of this article. The time description for grinding implies that one is using a whirly-blade type grinder. If at all possible, use a burr grinder. A burr grinder will provide the best grind. Whirly-blade grinders are the type where a blade spins like helicopter blade and essentially chops the beans in little bits. The longer you hold the button the smaller it chops the pieces. This type of grinder produces inconsistencies in the grind size, which leads to underextraction and overextraction and ultimately affects the taste of coffee. To acheive really good tasting coffee, a burr grinder is essential. For more information on grinding, follow this link.

Chemex Brewing

admin — Fri, 22 May 2009 05:10:08 +0000

Drip coffee. I never used to think much about it really because I have focused my coffee enthusiast pursuits on espresso. Drip was viewed by me as a chaser to be consumed after I had my fill of delicious espresso, but still wanted to sip on a less dense version of coffee. My favorite method of brewing drip was via the French Press. Not being a fan of department store auto drip makers because of their inconsistency with water temp regulation which results in bitter coffee – I was naturally taken to the French Press. I had more control over the brewing process which allowed me to fine tune the brew to my taste. I was a fan of the French Press until I was recently introduced to the Chemex brewer. Now my French Press has been shelved. Drip coffee has become more enjoyable to me, almost as much as I enjoy a good espresso.

I was introduced to the Chemex through cupping and coffee & food pairing classes I have been taking at Intelligentsia’s NYC Training Lab in Soho. I was immediately amazed at how refreshing the coffee tasted. It was sediment free and had a crispness and clarity about the coffee, which I had never really experienced before. For me, it elevated brew coffee into the same stratosphere in which I had placed espresso – well, not quite, but I now hold drip in much higher regard than previously. If you have never had coffee brewed in a Chemex pot, the best way I can describe it is to say it brews a very pure and clean cup bursting with flavors. This brew method removes a lot of the acid that normally creates a sour taste in coffee. The Chemex does more than just brew a delicious pot of coffee – it is also considered a work of art and is part of MoMA’s collection. As I cruise around to various coffee shops, I am starting to see more and more Chemex brewers. People are talking about the Chemex and aware of it’s revival on the coffee scene.

Not everyone likes it or appreciates its revival. Check out this post here on coffeed.com. I can say that my wife doesn’t like it either. She groans when I brew a pot because she’d rather have me pull shots and steam milk for her cappuccino, or brew a French Press if I’m making drip. She likes the body of the Press. It has a heavier and grittier feel on tongue, and brings out some of the deeper notes of the coffee. The Chemex has been growing on her though, and I think it won’t be too long before she takes more of a liking to the Chemex when we brew drip coffee.

If you’ve never tried a Chemex, I highly recommend you do. They are very inexpensive, ~$30. Instructions on using one can be found here. Make sure you use freshly roasted beans, grind right before brewing, and use the specially designed Chemex filters. The end result will be one of the most delicious tasting cups of coffee you’ve ever had in your life AND you will have a new piece of artwork in the home.