Common mistakes when brewing speciality coffee – what to avoid?

Every coffee lover wants their cup of coffee to taste perfect – aromatic, balanced, and free of unpleasant notes. Unfortunately, even the best beans can lose their potential due to improper brewing. Mistakes when brewing coffee can happen to both beginners and experienced coffee enthusiasts. Incorrect grinding, the wrong water temperature, or an improper coffee-to-water ratio are just some of the issues that can ruin the final taste of your brew. So, how do you properly brew speciality coffee? In today’s article, we will discuss the most common mistakes and share tips on how to avoid them to extract the exceptional aroma and flavour from your beans.

Summary:

1. Incorrect grinding of beans
2. Improper water temperature
3. Incorrect coffee-to-water ratio
4. Using stale coffee

Incorrect grinding of beans

One of the key factors affecting coffee taste is the degree of grind. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of using an unsuitable grind size for their brewing method.

• Too coarse a grind – causes coffee to brew too quickly, resulting in a watery and flat taste.
• Too fine a grind – leads to over-extraction, making the drink overly bitter and harsh.

Each brewing method requires a specific grind size. Below is a practical guide that will help you choose the right grind for your brewing technique:

🚀 If you want to achieve the perfect grind every time, consider investing in a high-quality coffee grinder, which allows you to control grind size and extract the maximum flavour from your beans!

Improper water temperature

Water temperature is another crucial aspect of brewing coffee, yet it is often overlooked. Even the best coffee can taste unpleasant if you use water that is too cold or too hot. The optimal temperature range for brewing speciality coffee is 92-96°C.

• If the water is too hot (above 96°C), extraction becomes too intense, drawing out bitter and undesirable notes.
• If the water is too cold (below 90°C), extraction is insufficient, resulting in a sour, underdeveloped flavour lacking depth.

The right temperature also depends on the type of coffee beans you use. For example:

• Lightly roasted coffee often requires higher temperatures (around 95-96°C) to fully develop its flavours and aromas.
• Darker roasted coffee tastes best at lower temperatures (around 90-92°C), helping to prevent excessive bitterness.

Remember, the right water temperature helps to perfectly balance your coffee’s flavour, so it’s worth paying attention to this detail when brewing!

Incorrect coffee-to-water ratio

Another common mistake when brewing coffee is using the wrong coffee-to-water ratio. Using too much coffee can result in an overly intense and bitter drink, while using too much water in relation to coffee can make the brew watery and lacking in depth. Finding the right balance is essential to achieving a perfectly balanced taste.

Optimal coffee-to-water ratio

The recommended standard ratio is 60 grams of coffee per 1 litre of water. However, you can adjust this slightly depending on your flavour preferences and brewing method.

Why are ratios so important?

Incorrect ratios affect the extraction process, which determines how effectively water draws out flavours and aromas from the ground coffee. If you use too little coffee relative to water, the brew will be weak and flat in taste. Conversely, too much coffee can lead to over-extraction, which results in excessive bitterness and a harsh aftertaste.

Experimenting can help you find the perfect balance that suits your preferences. If you prefer a milder taste, use slightly more water; if you enjoy a stronger flavour, you can increase the amount of coffee.

How to measure coffee precisely?

To ensure consistency in brewing, the best approach is to use a kitchen scale. Measuring “by eye” can lead to inconsistent results and unexpected changes in taste. Using a scale allows you to achieve the same great flavour in every cup.

🚀 At Coffee Broastery, you’ll find carefully selected speciality coffees that, when brewed in the right proportions, will deliver an exceptional taste experience.

Using Stale Coffee

One of the often-overlooked but crucial factors affecting the taste of coffee is its freshness. Even the best-brewed coffee won’t taste good if the beans are stale or stored improperly. Many people forget that coffee, like other food products, loses its quality over time. If you want to enjoy its full flavour and aroma, you should pay special attention to how and where you store your coffee.

How long does coffee stay fresh?

Coffee tastes best within the first 7 to 30 days after roasting. During this period, it retains its full aroma and freshness. After that, oxidation begins, gradually diminishing its intensity and flavour. Old beans typically produce coffee with a flat, dull character lacking the nuanced flavour notes that a fresh roast should have.

How can you tell if your coffee has gone stale? here are some common signs:

• ❌ Lack of a strong aroma – fresh coffee has a deep and rich scent, whereas stale beans lose this intensity.
• ❌ Weakened flavour – coffee may taste flat, lacking the distinct flavour notes that were present when it was fresh.
• ❌ Musty or damp odour – if coffee has been stored in a humid environment, it may absorb unwanted scents.

How to store coffee properly?

Proper storage is essential for keeping your coffee fresh for longer. If you want your speciality beans to preserve their aroma and complex flavours, follow these coffee storage tips:

• ✅ Store coffee in an airtight container – ideally in a dedicated, hermetically sealed container or packaging with a one-way valve.
• ✅ Avoid exposure to air – oxygen speeds up the oxidation process, which weakens flavour.
• ✅ Protect it from moisture and light – store your coffee in a cool, dark place away from the refrigerator or direct sunlight.
• ✅ Grind only before brewing – ground coffee loses freshness much faster than whole beans, so grind only what you need.

💡 Want to learn more about the best ways to store coffee? Check out this article on our blog: How to store freshly roasted coffee to enjoy its full flavour and aroma for as long as possible?. You’ll find the best solutions to keep your coffee fresh and full of flavour!

How to avoid mistakes and brew the perfect speciality coffee?

Brewing speciality coffee is an art that requires attention and precision. Even the finest beans can be ruined by coffee brewing mistakes such as incorrect grinding, improper water temperature, or the wrong coffee-to-water ratio. Fortunately, these problems can be easily avoided by following a few simple tips.

If you’re wondering how to brew speciality coffee correctly, remember to use the right grind size, maintain the correct water temperature, and follow the appropriate ratios. Paying attention to these details will ensure that every cup is rich in aroma and perfectly balanced.

Want to enjoy great coffee every day? Start by choosing the best beans. At Coffee Broastery, you’ll find exceptional speciality coffees that, when brewed correctly, will provide you with an unforgettable taste experience. Explore our selection and order your favourite coffee today!