In search of the perfect cup of coffee

[Slacker]

I have tried every kind of coffee maker I can find. I had this nice single serve coffee maker but that didn't cut it either. I'm now going the low tech route with a French press and some coffee (organic and fair trade) recommended (and sold) by my favorite coffee shop. I love coffee but I'm really really picky, and my husband is tired of me spending so much money on coffee going to the aforementioned coffee shop.

So, coffee lovers, give me your brewing tips!

[Ritella]

I have tried every kind of coffee maker I can find. I had this nice single serve coffee maker but that didn't cut it either. I'm now going the low tech route with a French press and some coffee (organic and fair trade) recommended (and sold) by my favorite coffee shop. I love coffee but I'm really really picky, and my husband is tired of me spending so much money on coffee going to the aforementioned coffee shop.

So, coffee lovers, give me your brewing tips!

FRENCH PRESS!!!!!!

only way to brew coffee. i am really picky too, and it makes such a difference. you can actually taste the beans and it never gets that acidic taste.

also, buy a coffee grinder and grind the beans right before you add them.

[Mattie]

Though I don't know much about coffee outside a certain company, I can tell you that French Press is the BEST way to drink coffee, and the only other step is to find out what type of coffee you like. Okay, to let the cat out of the bag, I work for Starbucks (lame, I know), so I at least know how coffee tastes dependent on where it's grown, and finding out the flavor profile you prefer will help you narrow it down so you can find a favorite. I did this for all my family members, and now they rarely go outside the beans I bring them and can easily identify which they'd like from other companies.

ETA: Looking at Ritella's post, I should ask, do you knwo what type of grind you need and water/coffee proportions?

[Slacker]

According to the directions and my favorite barrista, I need a coarse grind and three tablespoons of coffee, and then i fill the thing up (not quite to the top) with boiling water. No idea how much it takes to fill it. It isn't acidic - but it's a bit stron. But a lovely flavor. I just got it yesterday so I'm still experimenting. Maybe less coffee next time?

I have a coffee grinder but I use it for spices. I had it ground at the coffee shop. The bag says it is a French roast, and from South and Central America.

[Mattie]

I have a coffee grinder but I use it for spices. I had it ground at the coffee shop. The bag says it is a French roast, and from South and Central America.

French roast is smelly! Well, if you like French roast, and the boldness, you're also like Italian roast and Espresso, and I also believe Gold Coast is extra bold. Those are mostly multi-regional blends, so if you like the mix of tastes, Verona is a favorite as well. I wish I had a french press in front of me to give you more precise directions, but your barista was telling you how we do french presses whenever we have to, and we actually measure out the weight of the coffee before using it, which obvious not everyone can do. The measurements Ritella cited are pretty sound and are what I would have said. If you need more than that, it'll have to wait until the next time I go to work

[Slacker]

French roast is smelly! Well, if you like French roast, and the boldness, you're also like Italian roast and Espresso, and I also believe Gold Coast is extra bold. Those are mostly multi-regional blends, so if you like the mix of tastes, Verona is a favorite as well. I wish I had a french press in front of me to give you more precise directions, but your barista was telling you how we do french presses whenever we have to, and we actually measure out the weight of the coffee before using it, which obvious not everyone can do. The measurements Ritella cited are pretty sound and are what I would have said. If you need more than that, it'll have to wait until the next time I go to work

Actually I think it doesn't smell very good, although I do like the flavor. I would like to try something less bold.

[Mattie]

Actually I think it doesn't smell very good, although I do like the flavor. I would like to try something less bold.

Yep, I can't stand grinding French Roast because it smells like fish to me If you want to try something less bold, try the African beans they have from Kenya and Ethiopia. Kenya is popular, and Verona is less bold as well and is rather popular. Does your husband drink coffee?

[Ritella]

What FDG posted is a caffettiera for making Espresso. If you're making American coffee, you can't use one of those. BUT, if you do like espresso then you should just get an espresso machine as well!

SlackerMom, I'm guessing your mug holds 2 cups (am i right?) and that you're using a "4 cup" French Press, which looks shorter and stouter than most models.
I would try 4 tablespoons of coffee for the next batch. And 2 things: make sure to stir it really well when you add the water to the coffee, this way it creates a bit of a foam head. and, make sure to plunge after 4 minutes. also, i find that drinking the coffee once it cools down a little makes it taste better.
As for beans, I can't really say because that's a personal preference. Did you have a favorite coffee blend at that coffee shop that you went to? If so, you should get that one.

[Ritella]

ETA: Looking at Ritella's post, I should ask, do you knwo what type of grind you need and water/coffee proportions?

yeah. If you get it ground at the store, you have to ask for "French Press"- it's the coarsest grind. If you do it at home (in a grinder), you don't have to worry.
Most coffee places will say to do 2 tablespoons coffee/ 6 oz of water, which is a little over 5 tablespoons of coffee for 2 cups. But, most people don't like their coffee THAT strong, so 4 heaping tablespoons is usually good.

[Slacker]

It makes just over one mug of coffee.

[FDG]

You need to use this kind of stuff to make coffee at home:



the French Press is absolutely horrible. Even the best brand will taste like dirty water.

[Slacker]

You need to use this kind of stuff to make coffee at home:



the French Press is absolutely horrible. Even the best brand will taste like dirty water.

My sister-in-law in Australia made me coffee with one of those once. It was fabulous.

[Mattie]

I don't know how you're using your french press, but it's actually rather good and the best way to get the flavor out of the coffee rather than producing large quantities of it quickly. I can't say I've tried too much else as I see coffee tasting as a more culinary thing for me rather than needing it, but I can't say many people have told me they don't like french presses, which is why a lot of small and portable ones are sold.

[1981slater]

Hey, guys. I read in this forum years ago that drinking coffee is quadra related. Feedback?