Pour over brewing is a manual method that offers precise control over the brewing process. To brew using this method, you'll need a pour over dripper (like the Hario V60 or Kalita Wave), filter papers, a gooseneck kettle, and a scale. The process involves blooming the coffee grounds with a small amount of hot water, then pouring the remaining water in controlled stages. This method produces a clean, flavorful cup with bright acidity and allows you to highlight the unique characteristics of your coffee beans.
The French Press is a simple yet effective brewing method that uses full immersion. To use a French Press, add coarsely ground coffee to the carafe, pour hot water over the grounds, and let it steep for 4-5 minutes. After steeping, press the plunger down to separate the grounds from the coffee. This method produces a rich, full-bodied cup with more sediment than other brewing methods, which contributes to its distinctive flavor profile. The French Press is ideal for darker roasts and allows for more of the coffee's natural oils to be present in the final cup.
Espresso is a concentrated coffee beverage brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. A standard espresso shot is typically 1-2 ounces and takes 25-30 seconds to extract. The high pressure creates a layer of crema on top of the shot, which is a golden-brown foam that contains many of the coffee's aromatic compounds. Espresso serves as the base for many other coffee drinks, such as cappuccinos, lattes, and Americanos. To brew espresso at home, you'll need an espresso machine (either manual, semi-automatic, or automatic) and a quality burr grinder to ensure consistent grind size.
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours. This slow extraction process produces a coffee that is less acidic and bitter than hot-brewed methods. To make cold brew, combine coffee grounds and cold water in a jar or cold brew maker, stir to ensure all grounds are saturated, and let it steep in the refrigerator. After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh filter to remove the grounds. Cold brew can be served straight over ice, diluted with water or milk, or used as a base for iced coffee drinks. It has a smooth, chocolatey flavor profile that is popular during warmer months.
