A Good Cup of Joe

Fresh Beans

  • Great coffee must start with fresh beans!
  • I wouldn't recommend using beans over a month old.
  • Ask your coffee vendor how old your beans are when you buy them.  If they don't know then they probably aren't very fresh.
  • Only put your coffee in the freezer if you are not going to access it on a frequent basis. Opening and closing the bag causes the coffee to lose moisture.  Coffee with less moisture loses it's flavor.
  • Instead, store your coffee in an airtight container for daily use like the one shown in the picture.

Fresh Ground

  • Fresh ground coffee is like a freshly sliced apple, if you wait too long after grinding it's flavor starts to change.
  • Ground coffee loses it's flavor quickly.  If I grind my coffee and let it sit around for 15 minutes or more before brewing I can taste a change in the flavor.
  • If you are buying your first grinder almost any grinder will work.  The big decision is "burr" vs. "blade" grinders.  Check out the Equipment Corner for more information about grinders.

Ratio of Coffee to Water

  • Ever wonder why your coffee tastes so weak?
  • Your coffee to water ratio may be off.
  • I recommend two tablespoons per six ounces of water.
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    200 Degree Water

    • Wow!  This is incredibly important.  Have you ever thought, "why can't I replicate the cup of coffee that my favorite coffee shop makes"?  I buy their beans, I bought a grinder, and I think I have a nice coffee maker.
    • Many of us have tried to brew strong coffee, but it still has a bitter aftertaste.  The issues is your coffee maker is brewing at too low of a temperature.
    • Unfortunately, most drip coffee makers only brew coffee between 170 to 185 degrees.  While, your favorite coffee shop is definitely brewing at 200 degrees.
    • The solution is to find a coffee brewing method in which you can brew at 200 degrees.  The cheapest way to do this is to buy a Miletta cone.  You boil water, let it cool slightly, put your grounds in the filter, and then pour the hot water through Miletta into your cup or thermos.
    • For more info about the Miletta cone and other ways to brew at 200 degrees check out our Equipment Corner.
     

    A Good Cup of Joe


     Finally, you have it, a Good Cup of Joe!

    • However, I realize for many of you this road may be difficult to follow first thing in the morning.  It can seem like a lot of work to get a Good Cup of Joe.  I have three recommendations for you.
    • First, try the first step or two along the road and see if you like the results.  You may decide it is worth the effort.
    • Second, you might be amazed how quickly you pick of this routine once you learn it.
    • Finally, there are drip coffee makers that brew at 200 degrees.  Unfortunately, they are very expensive, but if you love coffee like me they are worth every penny.  Check out the Equipment Corner. for more info about a high quality drip coffee maker.

     

    Resources:

    Check out the recommendations from Pete's Coffee to compare notes: Pete's Coffee Basics
    Check out this article: making the most out of office coffee
    Cooks Illustrated on Coffee Brewing: French Press and Manual Drip