Which brewing method is the best and how do you know you are getting the best out of your brew? It’s confusing, but don’t worry, some basic guidelines can get anyone on track brewing the best coffee each day.

Where to start? On one side of the spectrum, there are the technical aspects and strict standards set by organizations such as the SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America). The other side of the spectrum is as simple as personal taste and preference.  Somewhere in the middle is where most coffee drinkers are.

The ingredients in coffee are simply coffee and water. Coffee flavor comes from over 1,000 different chemical compounds that are released when the ground coffee particles come in contact with the water. Only 1.2% of coffee is its water-soluble compounds extracted under a normal brewing process, the other 98.2% is water.

There seem to be limitless variables to the brewing process that can confuse coffee flavor and body in the cup. When we brew coffee, we are in control of some important variables such as water ratio, grind size, water quality, and the coffee filter. Knowing the basics of coffee brewing practices can enhance the coffee experience.  Let’s breakdown the fundamentals.

1. Coffee to Water Ratio by volume should be 2 Tbsps. per 8 oz. of water. By weight, the preferred method, is 60 g. per 900 ml.
2. Use “medium” grind size, about the size of regular beach sand.
3. Ensure your brewing equipment is working properly. This includes tracking the water contact time and water temperature.
4. Water temperature must be 195°F to 205°F
5. Quality water should have a small amount of dissolved minerals, spring water for example. This does produce better tasting coffee.
6. Correct filter medium (proper separation of the insoluble material from the brew).

Subtle changes will affect brew strength, flavor, taste, and body.  As you are likely thinking, most of these brewing guidelines are subjective, and there are many opinions and advice on what is best.  However, calibrating to a baseline will enhance the coffee experience, so give it a shot and see what happens!