Offering a hands-on approach to crafting coffee, manual brew methods allow enthusiasts to control various parameters and consistently replicate technique.
Manual brew methods are simply the act of brewing coffee without the use of automatic machines, relying instead on manual techniques to yield an extraction. Some popular manual brew methods include various iterations of pour-overs, as well as French press, AeroPress, and Chemex. Each method offers a distinct brewing and tasting experience.
ESSENTIAL VOCABULARY
Here are some terms you may want to familiarize yourself with, as many brew guides and coffee articles use this terminology but rarely elaborate on their definitions!
Brew Ratio: The ratio of coffee grounds to water used in the brewing process, typically expressed in numerical form (e.g., 1:16, meaning 1 part coffee to 16 parts water).
Bloom: The initial stage of the brewing process where hot water is poured over freshly ground coffee, causing it to release CO2 trapped within the coffee grounds.
Agitate: To stir or gently disturb the coffee grounds during the brewing process, promoting even extraction and enhancing flavor.
Bypass: The intentional or accidental phenomenon of diluting brewed coffee with additional water.
Slurry: The mixture of coffee grounds and water during the brewing process, where extraction occurs.
Gooseneck: A type of kettle with a long, narrow spout that allows for precise pouring control, commonly used in pour-over brewing.
Tare: The function on a scale that zeros out the weight of the brewing vessel or other containers, allowing for accurate measurement of ingredients.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
Grinder: Using a quality grinder is essential for manual brewing, as it ensures consistency in particle size, leading to uniform extraction and balanced flavor. Grinding coffee beans just before brewing preserves freshness and aroma.
Digital Scale: Measuring by weight using a scale provides accuracy and repeatability in brewing. Unlike volume measurements, which can vary based on factors like grind size and density, weighing coffee and water allows for precise control over the brew ratio, resulting in consistent and flavorful cups of coffee.
Filters: With the seemingly infinite variety of filters that exist for coffee brewing, it's imperative to make sure you get the correct size and thickness. Many companies that manufacture brewing equipment also have branded filters specifically designed for their equipment, which is always a good bet if you want to find something compatible!
MANUAL BREW INSTRUCTIONS
Though techniques, ratios, and other parameters can vary from brew method to brew method, there are a few universal steps one can follow as a baseline for a good brew on any equipment:
- Choose your brew method: Select a manual brew method that aligns with your preferences and equipment.
- Grind your coffee: Use a grinder to grind fresh coffee beans to the appropriate size for your chosen brew method.
- Measure your ingredients: Use a scale to measure the coffee grounds and water according to your desired brew ratio.
- Preheat your brewing equipment: Preheat your brewing vessel and rinse any paper filters to remove any papery taste.
- Bloom the coffee: Pour a small amount of hot water over the coffee grounds to saturate them and allow them to bloom; the standard baseline is usually a 30-second bloom.
- Continue pouring: Slowly pour the remaining water in a controlled manner, ensuring even saturation of the coffee grounds.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the brewing process is complete, serve your freshly brewed coffee and savor the flavors.
Manual coffee brewing is a rewarding (albeit sometimes expensive) journey that allows you to explore the nuances of coffee preparation and tasting. By understanding the basics of manual brew methods and mastering key techniques, you can elevate your coffee brewing skills and enjoy delicious cups of coffee tailored to your taste preferences. So, grab your favorite brewer and experiment with different variables; it feels a lot like being your own mad scientist!
Check out our collection of Brew Guides for further guidance!
