Brewing Guides & Resources
Master the art of brewing with our comprehensive guides. Whether you’re new to specialty coffee and tea or an experienced enthusiast, these resources will help you achieve the perfect cup every time. Our brewing guides combine traditional wisdom with modern precision to bring out the best in every variety.
Coffee Brewing Fundamentals
Essential Elements of Coffee Brewing
Understanding these key factors will help you achieve consistency and excellence in your coffee preparation:
Water Quality and Temperature
Use filtered water at 195-205°F (91-96°C) for optimal extraction. Water chemistry significantly impacts flavor, so we recommend using water with a mineral content between 75-250 TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) and a pH of 7.0.
Grind Size and Consistency
Different brewing methods require specific grind sizes for optimal extraction. Always grind fresh before brewing using a quality burr grinder. We recommend grinding just before brewing to preserve the coffee’s aromatic compounds and ensure the freshest possible cup.
Coffee-to-Water Ratio
Start with a ratio of 1:16 (1g coffee to 16g water) and adjust to taste. For precision, we recommend using a digital scale to measure both coffee and water consistently.
Coffee Brewing Methods
Pour-Over Brewing
The pour-over method offers exceptional clarity and highlights the delicate flavor notes in your coffee.
Basic Recipe:
- Coffee: 21g, medium-fine grind
- Water: 340g at 200°F (93°C)
- Total Brew Time: 2:45-3:15
Begin with a 45g bloom for 30 seconds, then pour in gentle spirals, maintaining a consistent water level. Complete all pours by 2:15 to allow proper drawdown time.
French Press
French press brewing creates a full-bodied cup that emphasizes the coffee’s rich, complex flavors.
Basic Recipe:
- Coffee: 30g, coarse grind
- Water: 500g at 200°F (93°C)
- Total Brew Time: 4 minutes
Add coffee, pour water evenly, stir gently at 1 minute, break crust and skim at 4 minutes, then press slowly and pour immediately.
Tea Brewing Excellence
Understanding Tea Types
Each tea type requires specific brewing parameters to achieve its full potential. Our guide helps you master the nuances of different varieties:
Green Tea
- Water Temperature: 160-180°F (70-82°C)
- Steeping Time: 1-3 minutes
- Leaf Ratio: 2-3g per 8oz water
Use lower temperatures to avoid bitterness and preserve the tea’s delicate vegetal notes. Multiple steepings are possible, increasing time slightly for each subsequent infusion.
Black Tea
- Water Temperature: 200-212°F (93-100°C)
- Steeping Time: 3-5 minutes
- Leaf Ratio: 2.5g per 8oz water
Full boiling water helps extract the robust flavors of black tea. Adjust steeping time based on personal preference for strength and astringency.
Oolong Tea
- Water Temperature: 185-205°F (85-96°C)
- Steeping Time: 1-5 minutes
- Leaf Ratio: 3-4g per 8oz water
Oolong teas particularly benefit from multiple infusions, with each steeping revealing different aspects of the tea’s character. Consider using traditional gongfu preparation for the fullest experience.
Advanced Brewing Techniques
Gongfu Tea Preparation
This traditional Chinese brewing method uses a high leaf-to-water ratio and short steepings to produce intense, flavorful infusions.
- Vessel: 100-150ml gaiwan or small teapot
- Leaf Ratio: 5-8g per 100ml
- Initial Steeping: 20-30 seconds
- Subsequent Steepings: Gradually increase by 5-10 seconds
Cold Brew Preparation
Cold brewing produces a smooth, low-acid beverage perfect for both coffee and tea. This method requires patience but rewards with unique flavor profiles.
Cold Brew Coffee:
- Ratio: 1:8 coffee to water
- Grind: Coarse
- Brew Time: 12-18 hours at room temperature or in refrigerator
Cold Brew Tea:
- Ratio: 5g tea per 500ml water
- Brew Time: 6-12 hours in refrigerator
- Note: Particularly excellent with green teas and oolongs
Understanding Water Quality
Water makes up 98-99% of your brew, making it crucial to use appropriate water for optimal results. Consider these key factors:
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 75-250 ppm (parts per million)
- pH Level: 7.0-7.5
- Calcium Hardness: 50-175 ppm
- Total Alkalinity: 40-70 ppm
If your tap water doesn’t meet these parameters, consider using filtered water or a balanced mineral water. Avoid distilled or reverse osmosis water without mineral addition, as some mineral content is necessary for proper extraction.
Equipment Care and Maintenance
Proper equipment care ensures consistent brewing results and longevity of your tools. Follow these essential maintenance practices:
Daily Cleaning
- Rinse brewing equipment thoroughly with hot water after each use
- Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe equipment
- Store coffee and tea in airtight containers away from light, heat, and moisture
Weekly Maintenance
- Deep clean coffee grinders to remove oil buildup
- Descale electric kettles if used with hard water
- Clean filters and filter holders with appropriate cleaning solutions
Common Brewing Issues and Solutions
Coffee Troubleshooting
Bitter Coffee: Often caused by over-extraction. Try a coarser grind, shorter brew time, or slightly lower water temperature.
Sour Coffee: Usually indicates under-extraction. Use a finer grind, increase brew time, or check that water temperature is hot enough.
Weak Coffee: Adjust your coffee-to-water ratio by using more coffee, or ensure water temperature is in the proper range.
Tea Troubleshooting
Bitter Tea: Typically caused by water that’s too hot or steeping too long. Adjust temperature and time accordingly.
Weak Tea: Increase leaf quantity or steeping time. Ensure water temperature is appropriate for the tea type.
Cloudy Tea: Often occurs with hard water. Consider using filtered water or letting the tea cool slightly before drinking.