Fresh Brew Your Coffee Correctly

Use fresh, clean water - bad water makes bad coffee. An activated charcoal water filter is sufficient. Use soft water for espresso. Distilled water can leave coffee tasting flat. The ideal drip brew cycle is 4 - 5 minutes. Brew at 195 to 205 Fahrenheit - it produces the best extraction. Brew espresso at 200+- Fahrenheit. Pull espresso shots for 22 to 26 seconds. Most older consumer coffee machines brew too cold - below 170 degrees. Many newer models brew in the desired temperature range. Never use a percolator - they boil and over-extract making bitter coffee! Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee for 8 oz. of water - adjust for taste.

Enhance The Sensory Experience

Fresh roasted - fresh ground - fresh brewed coffee will be a rewarding experience - savor it. If is best to drink fresh brewed coffee immediately. Contemplate the nuances of each cup - wine lovers will relate! Avoid using Styrofoam or plastic cups - they can leach offensive tastes. Use pre-warmed, ceramic, glass or china to serve - keeping your cup warm. To extend freshness, use a pre-heated stainless steel or insulated thermos.

Store beans at room temperature

Store coffee beans for up to a month in an airtight container at room temperature - ceramic or glass is best. Do not store coffee beans in refrigerator - moving back and forth causes condensation and will degrade coffee. If you have more than a 1 month supply on hand, you can freeze some in an airtight container - then restock your airtight countertop container and keep at room temperature. Never grind frozen beans.

Keep your equipment clean

This includes coffee grinders, brew baskets, spray heads, decanters, etc. Over time, coffee oils form a residue on the surfaces of these components that will affect every batch of coffee it touches.