Brewing

Brewing is the last step in the process, and the last chance for something to go wrong. It can be a very simple process, requiring little more than a good grinder, clean water, and careful hands. With a little attention, brewing can transform a high quality bean into an amazing cup of coffee.

There are dozens of brewing methods available, ranging from a simple manual drip cone, to the complex, finicky espresso process. With the exception of espresso, all of the methods are fairly easy to execute at home, and can produce a quality cup with minimal effort. Most brewing methods have similar requirements and challenges, and all of them require a good burr grinder.

The grinder is the most important piece of equipment in the process, and can make or break the cup. Cheap blade grinders pulverize beans into pieces varying greatly in size, and are not capable of properly grinding coffee. A high quality burr grinder cuts the beans more evenly, grinds slowly without creating a lot of heat, and results in a dramatically better cup. It is nothing short of a requirement for brewing acceptable coffee.

Two of the best brewing methods for the home are manual drip and french press. Both are economical, relatively easy to use, and capable of producing a very good cup. Automatic drip brewers are more commonly used, but are much more costly. All but the most expensive models heat the water inadequately, rely on a hot plate to keep the coffee warm (heating brewed coffee creates bitterness), and brew an inferior cup.

With any brewing method, equipment must be kept very clean, and quality water must be used. Tap water will suffice in areas where it tastes relatively neutral, and pour over filters can help eliminate any offensive odors (some high end brewers incorporate water filtration). Where the quality of tap water is unacceptable, bottled spring water is a good option. Distilled or reverse osmosis water, however, is actually too pure to brew the best coffee. A fair amount of mineral content is a good thing to have, as it positively interacts with the grounds during brewing.

Brewing coffee in a commercial setting requires a greater level of care and attention. The importance of grinder, brewer, and air pot cleanliness can not be stressed enough, and grinder burrs should be changed regularly. Dull burrs create heat, and can quickly stale or even burn the coffee before brewing. In any setting, brewed coffee should be served as fresh as possible, or within 30-60 minutes.