How to Brew Specialty Coffee: Techniques, Tips, and Tools

Before we dive right in, let's define what we mean by specialty coffee. Specialty coffee, a term used to describe high-quality beans that have been carefully sourced and roasted. Numerically, specialty coffees must surpass the Specialty Coffee Association's 80 point mark. More generally, specialty coffees offer a unique taste experience that goes far beyond the ordinary cup.

Brewing specialty coffee is an art form that requires understanding key factors such as grind size, water temperature, and extraction principles. In this article, we'll explore these topics and discuss some common brewing devices that can help you craft the perfect cup at home.

Understanding Coffee Beans

Before diving into brewing methods, it's important to understand the coffee bean itself. Specialty coffee beans are typically grown in specific climates and are harvested with care to ensure the highest quality. The beans are then roasted to varying degrees depending on the desired flavor profile. Lighter roasts retain more of the bean's original characteristics, while darker roasts develop richer, more robust flavors.

Grind Size

The grind size of your coffee beans is crucial in determining the taste of your brew. Different brewing methods require different grind sizes. We've written a more detailed overview of grind-sizes for various brewing methods here but at a high-level, the coarser the grind size the longer the extraction time. 

• Fine Grind: Ideal for espresso machines, where water passes through the grounds quickly under high pressure.
• Medium Grind: Suitable for drip coffee makers and pour-overs, providing a balance between extraction and flow rate.
• Coarse Grind: Best for French press or cold brew methods, where the coffee steeps in water for a longer period.

Achieving the right grind size is essential for optimal extraction, which is the process of pulling flavors and compounds from the ground beans. Using a burr grinder will significantly improve the consistency of your grind which can help when precisely managing extractions rates across hundreds or thousands of individual coffee grounds. If the grind is too fine, the coffee can become over-extracted and bitter; if too coarse, it might be under-extracted and weak.

Water Temperature and Quality

Water quality and temperature dramatically affect the brewing process. Ideally, water used for brewing coffee should be clean and free of impurities. A water filtration system can improve the taste by removing chlorine and other undesirable elements.

We've written about water temperature for coffee in more detail previously, and please look on this link for a more thorough overview, but generally, the temperature of your water should be between 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C). Water that is too hot will over-extract, leading to bitterness. Conversely, water that is not hot enough will under-extract, producing a flat, underwhelming cup. Investing in a good thermometer or a kettle with temperature control can help achieve consistent results.

Extraction Principles

Extraction is the key to unlocking the full potential of coffee beans. This involves balancing the amount of time the water is in contact with the coffee grounds, the temperature of the water, and the grind size. The goal is to extract the right amount of oils, acids, and aromatics without reaching the point where undesirable flavors begin to emerge.

For most brewing methods, aiming for an extraction time between 2 to 5 minutes is a good start. However, methods like espresso require a much shorter extraction time due to the high pressure, while cold brew methods take much longer, often several hours or even days.

Common Brewing Devices

There are many devices that can be used to brew specialty coffee, each offering different benefits. We've listed some common options below:

• Espresso Machine: Uses high pressure to force water through finely ground coffee, resulting in a rich and concentrated coffee. Perfect for those who enjoy a robust cup.
• Drip Coffee Maker: One of the most common household brewing methods. It involves water dripping slowly over medium grounds, ideal for everyday use.
• French Press: Known for its rich and full-bodied flavor, the French press allows coffee grounds to steep directly in hot water, which are then separated by a mesh plunger.
• Pour-Over: Offers excellent control over brewing variables. Water is poured manually over coffee grounds in a filter, allowing for a clean and flavorful cup.
• Aeropress: A relatively new device that combines the quick brewing time of espresso with the simplicity of a French press. Aeropress is known for its smooth flavor profile and versatility.

Advanced Techniques and Tips

To further enhance your coffee brewing experience, consider experimenting with these advanced techniques, especially if you are using a pour-over device to brew your coffee:

• Blooming: Pour a small amount of hot water over the grounds to release gases and "bloom" the coffee before continuing to brew. This helps increase flavor extraction.
• Ratio of Coffee to Water: Start with a general guideline of about 1 gram of coffee to 16 grams of water and adjust according to taste preferences. Use a digital scale to ensure correct ratios and consistency. 
• Stirring: Gently stir the coffee grounds during the brewing process to enhance extraction.

Specialty Coffee Brewing. Final Thoughts.

Brewing specialty coffee at home can be a rewarding and delicious hobby. By understanding and manipulating variables like grind size, water temperature, and extraction time, you can elevate your coffee game and enjoy a superior cup every time. Whether you prefer the quick intensity of an espresso or the subtle nuances of a pour-over, the right knowledge and tools will help you achieve brewing perfection.