In this brewing guide Dritan will cover one of the easiest ways to prepare a good cup of coffee: the French Press-method. 

BACKROUND

For many decades, the French Press, also known as Cafetière has been one of the most popular coffee makers.

It belongs to the so called full immersion coffee makers: ground coffee steeps in hot water before it is separated by a filter. It thus differs from the popular preparation methods such as hand filter or pour-over, where the water flows through the coffee.

French Press coffee is characterized by its body, due to the metal filter. Compared to paper filters, the metal version does not filter out the oils and fats contained in the coffee.  As a result, the coffee is dense and heavy in flavors.

Because coffee and water are mixed together for some time in immersion brewers, it’s quite easy to achieve an even extraction. But be careful: On the other hand, this brewing method is susceptible to over-extraction if you leave the coffee and water steep for too long or use a too finely ground coffee. The result is a bitter taste.

If you follow a few rules, making great coffee with a French Press is actually quite simple.

THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED 

French Press brewer
French Press Coffee Beans (we recommend our Brazil or Guatemala beans)
Grinder
Heat device

1:15 coffee-water-ratio

Note: you should view the coffee-water-ratio as a starting point. As always with coffee, the brew ratio not only depends on the coffee and roast you are using but for the most part on personal taste preferences. Finding the brew ratio that creates a cup perfect for your palate, is a matter of trial and error.

STEP 1:

Bring water to a boil with any heat device you have back home. Let it sit for a while. The optimal brewing temperature is about 94°C (200°F).

STEP 3:
Pour around half of the hot water evenly over the coffee grounds and let it bloom for about 30 seconds. Make sure to not leave any dry spots.
We recommend a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio as a starting point. Finding your preferred brew ratio in the end is always a matter of trial and error. So feel free to adjust this brew ratio depending on your personal taste preference.

TIPS:
Make sure to use a timer (your phone works great) since the French Press is very susceptible to over-extraction.

You can either use a scale or work with the measure spoon that normally comes with the French Press brewer.

STEP 4:
Gently stir with a spoon then pour the remaining the water over the coffee.

STEP 5:
Place the lid on the French Press with the plunger all the way up and let the coffee steep for another 3:30 minutes.

STEP 6:

Slowly press the plunger all the way down and serve immediately.

Important: Make sure to not let the French Press coffee sit as you risk an over-extraction.

OUR FRENCH PRESS COFFEE RECOMMENDATION: Colombia or Guatemala