Good Beans Deserve Better Brewing

Coffee brewing can feel complicated—but it doesn’t have to be. At Clockwork Roasters, we're here to help you unlock the full flavor potential of your coffee, one simple step at a time. Even tiny adjustments like grind size, water quality, or timing can drastically enhance your cup.

Let's dive in.

The Variables That Actually Matter (Ranked by Impact)

① Freshness & Bean Quality

• Why it matters: The aroma and complex flavors of coffee beans peak shortly after roasting.

• Clockwork tip: Brew within 3–4 weeks post-roast. Store your beans in an airtight container, cool and dry—not in the fridge.
  
  (...and we all know where to get some quality fresh beans right? ahhhmmm...here)

② Water Quality

• Why it matters: Coffee is 98% water. The minerals in water directly influence extraction and taste.

• Quick tip: Aim for around 150 ppm total dissolved solids (TDS). Filtered water is best; avoid distilled or straight tap water. A simple Brita filter or Third Wave Water packet is an easy upgrade.

③ Grind Size

• Why it matters: Consistent grind ensures balanced extraction.

• Visual guide:

  • French Press → coarse (like sea salt)

  • Drip & Pour Over → medium-fine (like table salt or sand)

  • Espresso → fine (almost powdery)

• Quick tip: Invest in a decent burr grinder—it doesn't have to be fancy, just consistent.
  
  Ground Consistency Is a Key

④ Brew Time

• Why it matters: Time determines how many flavor compounds you extract.

• Quick rule: Too short = sour; too long = bitter.

• Tip: Adjust grind to control timing—finer slows down, coarser speeds up.
  "Timing is everything"

⑤ Coffee-to-Water Ratio

• Why it matters: Ratio impacts strength but not flavor profile directly.

• Starting point: 1:16 by weight (e.g., 18g coffee to 288g water).

• Quick tip: Adjust slightly to taste stronger or lighter.
  
  

A Bit of Coffee Science (Simplified)

Brewing coffee is essentially extracting delicious soluble compounds from the beans. Think of coffee extraction as dissolving sugar in water—too little stirring leaves sugar crystals undissolved (under-extracted), too much stirring or heat might burn it (over-extracted).

• Ideal extraction ranges between 18%–22% of coffee solids dissolved.

• Under-extracted coffee tastes sour, sharp, grassy, or weak. It means water didn't extract enough flavor.

• Over-extracted coffee tastes bitter, dry, harsh, or hollow. It means too many unpleasant compounds got extracted.

Different brewing factors directly influence extraction:

• Hotter water increases extraction.

• Finer grind increases extraction.

• Longer brew time increases extraction.

Balance these variables to achieve the best taste from your beans.

Quick Brewing Instructions for Top Methods

🔸 Pour Over (V60 or similar)

• 15g coffee / 250g water / 2:30–3:00 min

• Medium-fine grind

• Bloom with 50g water, wait 30 secs, then add remaining water in slow circles.

• Tip: Too fast? Grind finer. Stalls? Grind coarser.

🔸 French Press

• 18g coffee / 300g water / 4:00 min steep

• Coarse grind

• Stir gently after initial bloom, steep, then press slowly.

• Tip: Scoop off foam with a spoon before pressing for a cleaner taste.

🔸 Drip Machine

• Medium grind / filtered water

• Use 1 scoop (~10g) per 6 oz water

• Clean your machine regularly—it dramatically improves taste.

• Tip: Coffee tasting flat? Try slightly more coffee (1:15 ratio).

🔸 Espresso

• 18g coffee → ~36g espresso / 25–30 sec extraction

• Fine grind

• Distribute grounds evenly, tamp firmly and evenly.

• Tip: Adjust grind size to fine-tune extraction time—finer slows down, coarser speeds up.

🔸 AeroPress

• 15g coffee / 240g water / 1:30–2:00 min total

• Medium-fine grind

• Bloom with 30g water for 30 secs, add remaining water, stir gently, press slowly.

• Tip: AeroPress is versatile - experiment freely for your ideal taste.

How to Know You're Brewing Right

• Great coffee tastes balanced and clean.

• Sour taste? Adjust grind finer or use hotter water.

• Bitter taste? Adjust grind coarser or use cooler water.

• Flat or dull? Slightly increase coffee dose.

Universal Brewing Tips (For Everyone)

• Measure & Record: A scale and timer greatly enhance consistency and flavor. Take notes, change one variable at a time (ratio, grind, temperature).

• Cleanliness & Routine: Clean gear equals better taste. Rinse daily; deep-clean monthly.

• Taste Mindfully: Pause to enjoy and analyze each cup. Adjust your brewing based on taste preferences, not just guidelines.

Enjoy Your Coffee!

Final Thoughts

Brewing coffee at home isn't about rigid rules; it’s about developing intuition, palate, and rituals. Trust your taste buds. Keep experimenting. Most importantly, enjoy every cup you make.

Happy brewing!