How do you brew speciality coffee to bring out its full flavour?

Coffee is not just a beverage – it is a ritual that, for many of us, starts each day. In recent years, speciality coffee, known for its unique taste and aroma, has become increasingly popular. But do you know how to brew it properly to get the best out of it? In this post, you will learn the secrets of coffee brewing that will make your morning cup a true masterpiece of taste!

The smell of freshly brewed coffee is one of the most pleasant aromas we can experience. And when you add to this the unique character of freshly roasted, top-quality coffee, you get a real feast for the senses. Want to find out how to extract the full flavour from these exceptional beans? Read on!

The best methods for brewing coffee

The world of coffee is full of a variety of flavours and aromas. To fully appreciate its unique character, the right brewing method is key. Each technique brings out different flavour notes in the beans, allowing you to discover the full potential of quality coffee. Whether you're a fan of the classic espresso machine, the less obvious drip, or perhaps you're intrigued by the innovative Aeropress, in this chapter you'll learn the best brewing methods to make your speciality coffee sing with its full flavour. Get ready for a fascinating journey through the world of alternative brewing methods that will transform your everyday coffee experience!

Drip coffee. The art of slow brewing

Do you hear the funny-sounding word “drip” and probably wonder what it is? "Drip coffee" is one of the most popular alternative methods of brewing coffee. It is nothing more than a pour-over method in which hot water slowly seeps through the coffee, bringing out the full flavours. Using a device that is extremely simple in design and operation, called a dripper, you can control every aspect of coffee extraction. Simply place the filter in the dripper, pour in your freshly ground coffee and slowly pour in the hot water.

French Press. The power of tradition

The French Press is a classic method that works particularly well with coffees described as “speciality coffee”. The key to success is the correct grind thickness of the beans and the brewing time, which is approximately 4 minutes. After this time, all you have to do is gently press the plunger of the machine and enjoy the aromatic brew. The result? A rich, full flavour and creamy texture.

Areopress. Quick and tasty

The Aeropress is for coffee lovers who appreciate the speed of preparing a beverage but do not want to compromise on quality. It is a device that combines the advantages of a French Press and a dripper, and its brewing method allows you to obtain an intense brew in just a few minutes. An added bonus is that you can experiment with extraction times and coffee quantities. Simply place the ground coffee in the Aeropress, add hot water, stir and press the coffee through the filter. Voila, delicious speciality coffee is ready!

Chemex. Elegance and perfection

Chemex is a true icon among coffee brewing appliances. Its distinctive shape and the use of special paper filters make the coffee prepared in it extremely pure and delicate. Simply place the filter in the Chemex, add the ground coffee and slowly pour in the hot water. This method is particularly good at bringing out the delicate floral and fruity notes characteristic of speciality coffee.

Espresso. A “little black coffee” with a lot of flavour

Making the perfect espresso at home can be a challenge, but with the right equipment and practice, you can enjoy the intense flavour and velvety crema as if you were at the best café. It's worth investing in a good espresso machine and accessories to help you make the perfect brew. Remember, however, that the key to success is precision and the highest quality beans.

What accessories are worth having in your kitchen? Equip yourself like a real barista!

Brewing the perfect coffee is not only about skill, but also about the right tools. As well as choosing the right brewing device, depending on your preferences, it's also worth stocking up on additional accessories that can make a huge difference to the quality of your brew, transforming simple coffee brewing into a true art! From precision grinders to elegant tampers, each tool has its role in bringing out the best qualities from your coffee beans. In this section, we take a closer look at the accessories you should have in your kitchen collection to enjoy a cup of coffee worthy of the best cafés every day. Whether you are a novice enthusiast or an experienced barista, these tools will help you take your coffee rituals to a whole new level!

• Coffee grinder. Every coffee lover knows that a coffee grinder is an absolute must-have. Freshly roasted and then freshly ground beans retain more aromas and essential oils, which translates into a richer tasting brew. Also, freshly ground coffee tastes much better than coffee that has been sitting on the shelf for a long time. It is advisable to invest in a manual or electric grinder to grind the beans precisely.
• Coffee frother. For lovers of milky coffees such as cappuccinos and lattes, the coffee frother is an indispensable accessory. It will give you the perfect froth to enrich your coffee experience.
• Coffee tampers. If you're opting for classic espresso, make sure you have a decent tamper. It allows the coffee to be formed evenly in the portafilter, which is key to getting the right pressure when brewing, resulting in the perfect flavour and creamy texture of the brew.
• Kitchen scale. Why measure the proportions of coffee and water to the nearest gram? It turns out that the real secret to a perfect brew lies in the precise dosage of the ingredients. This is especially important with more demanding brewing methods such as espresso or Chemex. A good kitchen scale allows you to always get the perfect proportions!

Practical coffee brewing tips for beginners and advanced brewers

1. Choosing the right beans. Remember: the freshness and quality of the beans is the basis of every good cup. When choosing beans, pay attention to the date of roasting and buy your coffee from specialised, artisanal coffee shops (such as our online coffee shop CoffeeBroastery.com) that offer products from local coffee roasteries. Freshly roasted coffee retains the most aromas and guarantees the best taste experience.
2. Coffee grinding. Grind your coffee just before brewing to retain maximum freshness – the next step to getting the full flavour. Remember that different brewing methods require different grind thicknesses. For example, a medium grind is recommended for a drip coffee, a slightly finer grind for espresso and Aeropress, and a coarse grind for French Press. Experiment to find the ideal setting for your favourite brewing method.
3. Water – its quality and temperature matter. The quality of the water has a huge impact on the taste of the coffee. Use filtered water to avoid unwanted flavours and aromas. Water should be fresh and clean and the temperature should be between 92 and 96°C, which is optimal for most brewing methods. Water that is too hot can make the coffee bitter, and water that is too cold can make it sour and under-brewed. Therefore, it is worth investing additionally in a thermometer or a temperature-controlled kettle.
4. Ideal coffee proportions. The correct proportions of coffee are also key to achieving the perfect flavour. A general rule of thumb is 1:15 – 1 gram of coffee to 15 grams of water, but it's worth experimenting to find your ideal ratio.

Your journey through the world of speciality coffees is just beginning!

Brewing coffee is an art that requires practice and experimentation. Each brewing method, from drip to espresso, offers unique opportunities to bring out the full flavour of the beans. Remember, the key to success is to use freshly roasted coffee from a trusted roastery or coffee shop. We encourage you to experiment with different brewing methods and discover the wealth of flavours that the world of speciality coffee has to offer. And if you're looking for unique beans for your coffee experiments, visit our online shop, where you'll find a wide selection of freshly roasted coffees from our small coffee manufactory. Start your adventure into the world of speciality coffee today!