Your home coffee brew just got better.
BREWING TIPS
Have fun and create recipes until you find your perfect coffee.
BREW COFFEE LIKE A PRO
USE A SCALE
Use a scale when preparing coffee for better consistency. Get a 0.1-gram interval scale with a 2,000 gram capacity. Bonus points for a water-resistant scale with a timer.
BREW RATIO
We recommend a ratio of 1:17. This means that for each gram of coffee you should use 17 grams of water. This allows you to control the taste of your cup. To make 1 cup of 180 ml. we recommend using between 7 and 12 grams of coffee.
GRIND YOUR COFFEE
Invest in a burr grinder for optimal coffee grinding. Although they are more expensive, they are worth it since you grind coffee daily. With a good burr grinder, you can control the flow rate and achieve great coffee cups.
WATER FOR COFFEE
Water quality is key to good coffee. Since coffee is 99% water, use filtered water for the best taste. To ensure the water is ideal, taste it to make sure it's tasteless.
WATER TEMPERATURE
For proper extraction, brew water should be at least 195°F. Coffee will taste flat and sour if the water is cooler. If you don't have a variable temperature kettle, let the water boil and sit for 20 seconds.
CLEAN YOUR EQUIPMENT
Keep your equipment clean and free from contamination by using unscented cleaning products. Clean your equipment regularly, but not all the time.
ABC'S OF COFFEE
If your coffee tastes sour, it is under-extracted. Use hotter water or a finer grind. If the coffee tastes bitter, it is over-extracted. Try a coarser grind and less contact time.
FIND YOUR WAY
Coffee is the most versatile drink in the world and only you can make it fun, breaking the rules makes us discover new things.
COFFEE BREWING METHODS
Chemex pour over
Chemex pour over
The Chemex pour-over is a manual coffee brewing method that utilizes a special type of glass carafe, a paper filter, and a specific brewing technique. To begin with, the coffee beans used in a Chemex pour-over should be medium-roasted to ensure a balanced flavor profile. Add roast preferences in the notes on your Finca Koa check-out cart.
Next, the coffee should be ground to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to the texture of sea salt. This type of grind allows for optimal extraction while maintaining the clarity of flavors and aromas in the cup.
The ideal ratio of coffee to water for a Chemex pour-over is 1:16. This means that for every gram of coffee used, you should add 16 grams of water. For example, if you are using 40 grams of coffee, you should add 640 grams of water.
Here are the steps to brewing a perfect cup of coffee with a Chemex pour-over:
- Start by heating up your water to about 200–205 °F.
- Put your Chemex on a digital scale, and inside the Chemex the paper filter.
- Grind your coffee beans to a medium-coarse consistency.
- Wet the paper filter with hot water and place it in the Chemex carafe.
- Add the coffee grounds to the filter and make a small indentation, or pre-infusion, in the center of the bed of coffee.
- Pour hot water into the pre-infusion and let it sit for 30 seconds, or 60 grams of water. This allows the coffee to "bloom," releasing gases and making it easier to extract the flavors.
- At 0:30, slowly pour 320 grams of water. At 1:15, pour 420 grams of water. At 1:45, pour 520 grams of water, and at 2:15, pour 640 grams of water.
- Allow the coffee to finish dripping through the filter, then discard the used grounds and filter.
Pre-infusion is important because it helps to evenly saturate the coffee grounds, promoting a more consistent extraction. However, if the coffee was roasted more than two months ago, pre-infusion is not necessary because the coffee has already lost a significant amount of its gases.
The Chemex pour-over highlights the coffee's clarity and brightness, bringing out the subtler notes and nuances of the beans. It also produces a clean and balanced cup, with a crisp acidity and a smooth mouthfeel.
French Press
French Press
The French press is a classic and popular coffee brewing method that uses a glass carafe, a metal plunger with a mesh filter, and coarsely ground coffee. For the best results, the coffee beans used in a French press should be medium to dark roasted, which brings out the bold and rich flavors in the cup.
Next, the coffee should be coarsely ground to a size similar to sea salt, which allows for optimal extraction and prevents the coffee from passing through the mesh filter.
The ideal ratio of coffee to water for a French press is 1:15. This means that for every gram of coffee used, you should add 15 grams of water. For example, if you are using 40 grams of coffee, you should add 600 grams of water.
Here are the steps to making a great cup of coffee with a French press:
- Heat up your water to about 200-205°F.
- Add the coarsely ground coffee to the French press carafe.
- Pour hot water over the coffee, making sure to saturate all the grounds evenly.
- Stir the coffee and water mixture gently, making sure that all the coffee is fully immersed in the water.
- Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes.
- Use the metal plunger to slowly press the coffee grounds to the bottom of the carafe.
- Pour the coffee into your mug and enjoy!
One important tip to keep in mind when using a French press is to not crush the coffee completely but to take it to the limit. This means that you should press the plunger down until you feel resistance, but not push it all the way to the bottom. Doing this can result in over-extraction and a bitter taste in the coffee.
The French press method highlights the coffee's full-bodied flavor, with notes of chocolate, caramel, and nutty flavors. It produces a rich and complex cup of coffee with a strong aroma and a creamy mouthfeel. It's a great brewing method for those who want a full and robust cup of coffee with minimal fuss.
Espresso
Espresso
Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee that is brewed by forcing pressurized hot water through finely ground coffee. The coffee beans used in an espresso machine should be medium to dark roasted, which brings out the bold and rich flavors in the cup.
For the best results, the coffee used in an espresso machine should be ground to a very fine and consistent size, similar to table salt. This allows for optimal extraction and a full-bodied flavor in the cup.
The ideal proportion of coffee to water for an espresso shot is 1:2. This means that for every gram of coffee used, you should extract 2 grams of espresso. For example, if you are using 18 grams of coffee, you should extract 36 grams of espresso.
Here are the steps to making a great shot of espresso with an espresso machine:
- Fill the espresso machine's water tank with fresh, filtered water and turn it on to heat up.
- Preheat the portafilter and espresso cups by running hot water through them.
- Grind the coffee beans to a fine, consistent size and fill the portafilter basket with the ground coffee, using a tamper to press it down firmly.
- Place the portafilter back into the espresso machine and start the extraction.
- The extraction time for a single shot of espresso should be between 20-30 seconds, with a total volume of 1-2 ounces.
- After the shot is extracted, discard the used coffee grounds and rinse the portafilter and group head with hot water.
It's important to note that preparation times may vary depending on the espresso machine and the coffee being used. As an expert barista, I can adjust the grind size, tamping pressure, and extraction time to achieve the best results for each specific coffee.
The espresso method highlights the coffee's bold and intense flavor, with notes of chocolate, caramel, and fruit flavors. It produces a smooth and creamy shot of coffee with a thick and rich crema on top. It's a great brewing method for those who want a strong and concentrated cup of coffee with a full-bodied flavor profile.
AeroPress
AeroPress
The AeroPress is a unique coffee brewing device that uses a combination of immersion and pressure to extract a clean and flavorful cup of coffee. The coffee beans used in an AeroPress should be medium roasted, which brings out the balanced and nuanced flavors in the cup.
For the best results, the coffee used in an AeroPress should be ground to a fine and consistent size, similar to table salt. This allows for optimal extraction and a smooth and clean flavor in the cup.
The ideal proportion of coffee to water for an AeroPress is 1:16. This means that for every gram of coffee used, you should extract 16 grams of coffee. For example, if you are using 15 grams of coffee, you should extract 240 grams of coffee.
Here are the steps to making a great cup of coffee with an AeroPress:
- Heat up the water to around 175-185 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Assemble the AeroPress by placing a paper filter in the filter cap and screwing it onto the brewing chamber.
- Wet the paper filter with hot water and discard the water.
- Add the ground coffee to the brewing chamber and level it out.
- Pour the hot water into the brewing chamber, making sure to saturate all of the coffee grounds.
- Stir the coffee and water mixture for around 10-15 seconds.
- Insert the plunger into the brewing chamber and gently press down until you hear a hissing sound.
- Serve the coffee and enjoy!
It's important to note that preparation times may vary depending on the coffee being used and personal preference. A lighter roast coffee may extract faster than a darker roast coffee, for example, and may require less steeping time.
Adjusting the steeping time can help achieve the desired flavor and strength. more time is equal to more strong the coffee. A finer grind size will extract more quickly and may require a shorter steeping time, while a coarser grind size will extract more slowly and may require a longer steeping time.
You should take some experimentation to find the ideal brewing time for a specific coffee and personal taste preferences.
The AeroPress method highlights the coffee's bright and nuanced flavors, with notes of citrus, floral, and fruity flavors
Moka pot
Moka Pot
The Moka pot is a traditional Italian coffee brewing method that uses steam pressure to extract coffee. Here's how to use it:
- Start by filling the bottom chamber of the Moka pot with hot water or water up to the level of the safety valve. Make sure not to overfill the water as it can cause the pot to overflow.
- Next, add finely ground coffee to the middle chamber of the Moka pot. The coffee should be ground to a medium-fine consistency, similar to table salt.
- Once the coffee is in the middle chamber, screw the top chamber onto the bottom chamber, making sure it is screwed on tightly.
- Place the Moka pot on a stove over medium heat. It's important to use low to medium heat to avoid burning the coffee or causing the pot to boil over.
- As the water heats up, it will create steam that will force the water up through the coffee grounds and into the top chamber. Once the coffee starts to flow out of the spout, turn off the heat and remove the Moka pot from the stove.
- Serve the coffee immediately and enjoy!
For the roast level, medium to dark roast coffee works well with a Moka pot. The ideal grind size should be medium-fine, similar to table salt.
For the proportion of water and coffee, a common rule of thumb is to use one tablespoon of coffee for every 1.5 to 2 ounces of water or 1:10 for example 20 grams coffee and 200 gram water.
Preparation times can vary depending on the size of the Moka pot and the heat source, but generally, it takes around 5 to 10 minutes to brew a pot of coffee.
Coffee brewed with a Moka pot tends to have a bold, strong flavor with a rich crema on top. The steam pressure extraction method highlights the coffee's natural oils and flavors, creating a unique and distinct taste profile.
Coffee Maker
Coffee Maker
Firstly, when it comes to roasting, I recommend using medium roasted coffee beans for a home coffee maker. This roast level allows for a good balance of flavor and aroma. For grinding, you want to use a medium-coarse grind to avoid clogging the coffee maker's filter.
The ideal ratio for brewing coffee in a home coffee maker is 1:16 coffee to water. This means that for every 1 gram of coffee, you should use 16 grams of water. However, the ratio can be adjusted to personal preference.
If your coffee maker uses a paper filter and you use Finca Koa coffee, you can make a pre-infusion. Pour hot water (200–205 °F.) into the pre-infusion and let stand for 30 seconds, or 60 grams of water. This allows the coffee to "bloom", releasing gases and facilitating the extraction of flavors.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a home coffee maker:
- Fill the water tank with cold, filtered water.
- Grind your coffee beans to a medium-coarse consistency and add them to the coffee maker's filter.
- Place the filter in the coffee maker and turn on the machine.
- Wait for the coffee maker to finish brewing and then pour the brewed coffee into your mug.
As for preparation times, it can vary depending on the machine and the amount of coffee being brewed. Generally, a home coffee maker takes around 5-10 minutes to brew a pot of coffee.
One of the advantages of using a home coffee maker is its convenience and ease of use. However, one downside is that it may not produce the same level of flavor and complexity as other brewing methods such as pour over or French press.
Overall, using a home coffee maker is a great option for those who want a quick and easy way to brew coffee at home. With the right roast level, grind size, and water-to-coffee ratio, you can make a delicious cup of coffee in no time.
Why Finca Koa is Specialty Coffee
Hand picked
Finca Koa coffee is sourced from carefully selected, high-quality beans grown in specific microclimates, resulting in unique and complex flavor profiles that cannot be found in mass-produced commercial coffees.
Coffee Score
Finca Koa's coffees have an SCA score of 86+, which indicates exceptional quality and a high level of craftsmanship. This results in a superior taste and aroma that is unmatched by commercial coffees, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the art of coffee.
Single Origin
Finca Koa coffee is produced in a sustainable and ethical manner, prioritizing the well-being of the environment and the people involved in the production process. By purchasing and enjoying Finca Koa coffee, customers can support a small, family-owned business and feel good about the impact their purchase is making on the world.
Roast Profile
The beans are roasted in small batches in U.S. and to precise specifications to highlight the unique flavors and aromas of each variety, resulting in a consistently excellent cup of coffee that is free from the burnt or bitter taste that can be found in mass-produced commercial coffees.
COLD BREW COFFEE AT HOME
When it comes to Cold Brew, one important initial recommendation is to use a coarse grind. This helps prevent over-extraction, which can lead to a bitter taste. Additionally, Cold Brew is a highly caffeinated beverage that can provide a great energy boost. The beauty of Cold Brew is that it offers a blank canvas for experimentation, allowing you to create unique and delicious flavor combinations.
Of course, coffee as a whole is a beverage that offers endless possibilities for experimentation and enjoyment. Whether you prefer Cold Brew or a piping hot cup of joe, there are always new and exciting ways to prepare and enjoy coffee.
If you're interested in trying your hand at making Cold Brew at home, we recommend checking out this helpful video tutorial. It's a great starting point for experimenting with Cold Brew and discovering your own perfect brew. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the endless possibilities that coffee has to offer!
