Exploring Coffee Brewing Methods: Finding Your Perfect Cup

At Poets and Prose, we understand that brewing coffee is a personal ritual, and each method brings out different qualities in your cup. Whether you prefer a smooth medium roast or a bold dark blend, the brewing method you choose can greatly impact the flavor and texture of your coffee.

Let's dive into some popular brewing techniques and the best ways to enjoy our latest selections.

1. Pour-Over

Best for: Bright, clean flavors

Pour-over methods like Chemex or V60 emphasize clarity, making them ideal for highlighting the nuanced flavors in single-origin coffees. Our Lyric (medium roast, Kenya) is perfect for this method, with its bright acidity and complex fruit notes coming through beautifully.

ProTip: Use a gooseneck kettle for precision and pour in slow, circular motions for even extraction.

2. French Press

Best for: Rich, full-bodied brews

For those who love a full-bodied, rich coffee, the French Press is a go-to. The metal filter allows oils and fine particles to remain in the brew, resulting in a heavier mouthfeel. This method pairs well with our Rhapsody (medium roast, Brazil) and Twilight Verse (dark roast blend of Colombia and Brazil), bringing out their chocolatey and nutty undertones.

Pro Tip: Use a coarse grind to prevent over-extraction, and steep for 4 minutes for a balanced brew.

3. Espresso

Best for: Intense, concentrated flavor

Espresso offers a concentrated shot of coffee with deep, bold flavors and a rich crema. It’s an excellent way to experience the dark, complex flavors of our Twilight Verse blend, which combines Colombian and Brazilian beans for a robust and layered profile.

Espresso is also a great base for lattes or cappuccinos.

Pro Tip: Grind your beans finely and tamp them evenly to ensure the perfect shot.

4. AeroPress

Best for: Versatility and portability

The AeroPress is incredibly versatile and can be used to make anything from a quick espresso-like shot to a cleaner, drip-style cup. It’s a fantastic choice for brewing our Sonnet (medium roast, Colombia), allowing you to experiment with its balanced, nutty sweetness and hints of fruit.

Pro Tip: Play around with the coffee-to-water ratio and brew time to dial in your perfect cup.

5. Cold Brew

Best for: Smooth, low-acid coffee

Cold brew is perfect for those who prefer a smooth, low-acid coffee, especially in warm weather. Our Silent Stanza (decaf, Guatemala) is an excellent option for this method, offering a mellow, full-flavored cup without the caffeine. Cold brew also pairs wonderfully with Sonnet, whose subtle sweetness shines when brewed cold.

Pro Tip: Use a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio and steep in the fridge for 18-24 hours to get a smooth and refreshing brew.

6. Moka Pot

Best for: Stovetop espresso-like brews

The Moka Pot brews coffee with a rich, espresso-like intensity, perfect for those who enjoy a bold cup but don’t have an espresso machine. Try this method with our Twilight Verse blend for a strong, flavorful coffee with a smooth finish.

Pro Tip: Use a medium-fine grind and be careful not to let the water over-boil to avoid bitterness.

Brew Method	Equipment Needed	Brew Time	Brew Process	Grind Size	Poets and Prose Coffee Recommendation
French Press	French Press, Kettle	4-5 minutes	Add coarse grounds to press, pour hot water, steep, then press and pour	Coarse	Rhapsody (medium roast, Brazil), Twilight Verse (dark blend)
Pour-Over	Dripper (V60, Chemex), Filter, Kettle	3-4 minutes	Place filter and grounds in dripper, pour hot water in circular motion to bloom	Medium-Fine	Lyric (medium roast, Kenya), Sonnet (medium roast, Colombia)
AeroPress	AeroPress, Filter, Kettle	1-2 minutes	Add grounds and hot water to AeroPress, stir, steep, then press into a cup	Medium to Fine	Sonnet (medium roast, Colombia), Silent Stanza (decaf, Guatemala)
Moka Pot	Moka Pot, Stovetop	5-7 minutes	Fill bottom with water, add coffee to basket, heat on stovetop until brewed	Medium-Fine	Twilight Verse (dark blend), Silent Stanza (decaf, Guatemala)
Cold Brew	Jar/Container, Filter (optional)	12-24 hours	Mix coarse grounds and cold water in jar, steep in fridge, then strain/filter	Coarse	Sonnet (medium roast, Colombia), Silent Stanza (decaf, Guatemala)
Espresso Machine	Espresso Machine	25-30 seconds	Pressurize hot water through finely ground coffee for a concentrated shot	Fine	Twilight Verse (dark blend), Rhapsody (medium roast, Brazil), Sonnet (medium roast, Colombia)

 

P.S. We love to flaunt creations of our members, this picture is by a fellow coffee lover from Oakville! Method of brew: espresso, beans used: Sonnet.