GTC (Great Tasting Coffee)

How do I brew a Great Tasting Coffee?

I get asked what is something you can do for better tasting coffee.

  • The very first thing is fresh roasted coffee which is less than 60 days from the roast date and properly stored. Also at least 24-48 hours from the roaster.
  • The second would be a good burr grinder.
  • The third is good tasting filtered water. Brewed coffee is mostly water!
  • Another highly recommended tool would be a scale. Volume works well for water but coffee beans should be weighed.
  • Never forget what YOU like and dial in your recipe.


I suggest for:
Pour over or Drip coffee: 50 grams (1.75 oz) to 1 liter (34 oz) of water is what I like for most coffees
Espresso: 18 - 20 grams (0.6 oz - 0.7 oz) of coffee and 50 - 60 grams of water (1.75 oz - 2.1 oz)

Grinders

Grinders that I would use and use

  1. LAGOM mini
  2. Fellow Ode 2 Gen 
  3. Encore ESP

If you have the resources there are better grinders out there but these will do for most.
On a tight budget? I am sorry to say that there isn't a good recommendation under USD$100.

  1. 1Zpresso JX
  2. Fellow Opus

 

Coffee makers

Coffee makers I would use and use

 

Storage

Oxygen causes oxidation. Oxidation = not so GTC.
You & Me Coffee Roasters packages coffee in a bag that is designed to limit and slow down oxidation. Remove as much air as possible before closing the bag again.

Freezing? First of all you probably bought too much because of free shipping. My fault. Better to freeze than to store for more than 60 days on the shelf.
Caveat - IF you decide to freeze your coffee beans, freeze them in the SEALED bag they came in. Also place a piece of tape over the valve in the bag just to be sure.
Unfreezing - set on the counter for 4 to 8 hours before opening the sealed bag. This allows the beans to arrive at room temperature and limits the risk of condensation which will also make not so GTC.