Brief Summary
This video features interviews with coffee experts at the Thai Coffee Fest, addressing common questions from beginners. Key topics include affordable brewing methods (flat bottom drippers), proper coffee storage (in the original bag), choosing brewing equipment based on personal preference, and the importance of water quality. The experts also share insights on common mistakes, recommend countries for learning about specialty coffee (Ethiopia, Colombia, Indonesia), discuss paper filter preferences (white vs. brown), and emphasize the significance of experimentation and personal taste in coffee brewing.
- Flat bottom drippers are recommended for beginners due to their affordability and ability to highlight sweetness and clarity.
- Coffee should be stored in its original, resealable bag at room temperature, avoiding the need for specialized jars.
- Water quality significantly impacts coffee flavor, with filtered water being a superior choice over tap water.
Brewing methods for beginners?
For beginners interested in specialty coffee without a large investment, a flat bottom dripper is recommended. It's important to record all brewing details to improve future brews. Flat bottom drippers are affordable and highlight sweetness and clarity in coffee. Buying a good bag of coffee allows for multiple brews, and adjustments can be made to the filter coffee to refine the taste.
Best Way to Store Coffee?
The best way to store coffee at home is simply in its original bag. There's no need for special jars. The bag is sufficient if the coffee will be used within two to three months. Coffee should be kept at room temperature, avoiding extreme heat or cold. Most roasters provide sealed, resealable bags, eliminating the need for additional containers. Smaller bags (100-200g) are ideal, especially if they can be sealed and have a degassing valve.
Pretty Brewers
When starting to brew coffee at home, choosing a visually appealing dripper is key. The goal is to enjoy the process and start the morning with something you like. A visually pleasing brewer encourages more frequent brewing, which leads to learning more about coffee. The Origami dripper is a good option because it performs well and can be used with both cone and flat-bottom filters, allowing you to experience the difference without buying more equipment.
Filter or espresso?
When asked to choose between filter coffee and espresso, the interviewees overwhelmingly prefer filter coffee, especially for home brewing. Espresso is a good choice in coffee shops known for their quality espresso.
Is Kopi Luwak good?
The interviewees generally do not recommend Kopi Luwak. It's often seen as a tourist attraction rather than a high-quality coffee. While Indonesia has many great coffees, Kopi Luwak is not necessarily one of them.
Common beginner mistakes
A common mistake for beginners is overlooking the importance of water quality. While equipment like kettles and scales are important, water is crucial for brewing. Experimenting with different water types and being precise with water usage is essential. Beginners often focus too much on breaking down recipes instead of finding one that works for their setup and adjusting one variable at a time. Issues like sourness or bitterness are often due to incorrect grind size or water ratio. It's important to find a ratio, grind size, temperature, and recipe that works for you and then adjust one variable at a time. A 1:16.6 ratio may not always be suitable for pour-over coffees, with 1:15 or 1:16 often being better. Another common mistake is not understanding particle distribution (grind size). People often stick to a number without considering how it changes with different grinders. Knowing the grind size makes it easier to adjust the recipe or other brewing parameters. People believe that there is the best way to brew coffee, but there is no best way to brew coffee.
Best Country to Learn From
Ethiopia is recommended as a country to learn about specialty coffee due to its distinct flavors and accessible price point. Ethiopian coffees often have floral and citrus notes. Panama is also recommended for its middle-range coffees and safe, accessible farms. Colombia is highlighted for its wide range of quality and flavor profiles, as well as its exploration of processing methods. Indonesia is recommended for learning about manual brewing due to its diverse regional coffee characteristics.
White or brown filter?
The preference between white and brown paper filters varies. Some find that brown paper filters impart a papery taste, while others have had good experiences with them. It's suggested to try both and see which works best for your coffee. Despite some skepticism, brown paper filters can sometimes produce excellent results. It's important to experiment and not rely on assumptions.
Water for coffee?
Using filtered water is essential for brewing good coffee. Switching from tap water to filtered water can significantly improve the taste. Testing water from a local cafe or using a cheap filter can be effective. Demineralized water that is remineralized is also a good option. A TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) range between 60 and 120 ppm is generally recommended, with a preference around 75 ppm. However, it's important to consider bicarbonate count and general hardness as well. A TDS between 50 and 100 is good.
