Batdorf and Bronson Shares 7 Tips to Make the Perfect Cup of Coffee at Home

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Batdorf and Bronson's lead trainer and educator Andrew Tucker-MacLeod demonstrates a hand-crank burr grinder at the Tasting Room.
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Batdorf and Bronson’s lead trainer and educator Andrew Tucker-MacLeod demonstrates a hand-crank burr grinder at the Tasting Room.

I love getting a coffee in a coffee shop. Why? The whole experience feels like I’m treating myself. And, feeling “treated” for under $5 is a pretty good return on investment. But, additionally, the coffee is just better. I didn’t think I could achieve the smooth richness of a cup delivered by a barista in my cup at home. That is, until a recent discussion I had (over a cup of coffee, of course) with Andrew Tucker-MacLeod, Batdorf and Bronson Coffee Roasters lead trainer and educator.

Coffee, Andrew explains, is a living, growing, agricultural product that is transformed by the people who handle it from plant to cup. In the same way grapes become wine, coffee “cherries” become that special treat I look forward to each day. Andrew’s role at Batdorf and Bronson involves educating baristas, wholesalers and the general coffee public on how to craft the most perfect cup of coffee. And now, he shares his wisdom with you.

1.  Use the right grinder.

I grind my beans fresh for each pot, and feel pretty good about that. However, Andrew points out that I’m not really grinding when I fill my standard grinder, press on its lid, and shake the heck out of it. Those whirling blades inside? They chop. And coffee beans that are chopped result in uneven grind size, the ultimate no-no when seeking the perfect cup. “When the particles are inconsistent in size and shape, they don’t soak evenly in the water,” he explains. Water will saturate the dusty, fine bits too quickly resulting in a sour taste. Larger chunks don’t soak enough and their essence remains locked inside.

The solution? A burr grinder. One metal part spin, crushing the beans between them resulting in a more even grind in a customizable size. Good burr grinders start around $40 and include adjustable grind sizes, the key to a perfect cup. Find a full guide here to the right grind for your brewer.

batdorf coffee
Arturo and the Tasting Room staff can demonstrate the many brewers and grinders available from Batdorf and Bronson.

2.  Select a quality brewer.

Andrew assures me I don’t have to spend a fortune to get a quality brewer. By defining the coffee experience you seek, you can refine your type (or types) of home brewer.

Most of us use an automatic drip style. Andrew is a fan, too, but points out that proper temperature and water disbursement is key in this style. Examine where the hot water exits your brewer, pouring onto the coffee. This little shower-head should be 1 ½ inches or larger in diameter. Think of watering a potted plant. If your hose is set on “jet,” you’ll power a hole into the soil, dampening one small area. Adjust to “shower” to gently saturate the entire pot. This is the same effect in your brewer. A list of the top brewers as determined by Specialty Coffee Association of America can be found here and start under $200, an investment that can last a lifetime.

Interested in a one cup brewer? A pour over? A French Press? The Batdorf and Bronson website has tons of options and reviews. Or, visit their tasting room where trained staff can demonstrate the many options they sell starting at around $20.

3.  Check your water temperature.

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The Clever Dripper brewer is only $19 and creates a “perfect” single cup right in your own kitchen.

Proper temperature is important, particularly with French Press and pour over styles. 200 degrees is optimal. At this temperature, ground beans release 18 to 22% of the plant matter (the tasty, good stuff) into the cup. Water that’s too hot will produce sour coffee; too cold and it will not fully release the flavor. While 200 degrees brews a prefect cup, 180 degrees is the perfect temperature for sipping.

4.  Ensure proper coffee to water ratio.

Do you use a 12-cup coffee maker? Whose cup are they talking about? My mugs are a generous 12 ounces. Your cup might be different. To craft the perfect cup, use the proper ratio of grounds to water. Ignore the “cups” listing and learn how many ounces your maker and mug will hold. “The proper ratio is 5 ounces of water to 2 tablespoons of coffee,” shares Andrew, adding he likes to simply fill his mug with water, heat that amount only, then pour through his single cup brewer, delivering the perfect amount, every time.

5.  Don’t ignore your filter.

Every drop of coffee passes through the filter. This often overlooked component can make or break your cup. Select a good quality one (Andrew prefers Filtropa brand for only $3.25) for best results. “Prime” filters for use by rinsing first to remove any off flavors that may come through. Andrew adds to store filters away from other food products. No one wants cumin flavored coffee filters.

6.  Choose the right bean (and store it correctly).

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A quality brewer and burr grinder is key to the perfect cup of coffee at home.

Of course, a great cup starts with a great bean and Batdorf and Bronson Coffee Roasters provides some of the highest quality coffee around. Visit the tasting room to sample blends and single origin roasts to find your favorite. Once you get your coffee home, it’s imperative you store it correctly. Coffee’s worst enemies are air, moisture, light, and heat. Beat these bad-guys with an opaque, airtight container. Store in a cool cupboard away from heat sources like under-cabinet lighting and the oven.

7.  Time your brew.

Coffee’s best flavor is realized through proper contact time with hot water – too long produces a sour aftertaste and too short and coffee is thin and acidic. Don’t be fooled into thinking a longer soak produces a stronger brew. Only grind size changes strength, changing the surface area of the coffee in contact with the water. Optimal brewing time is about four minutes from first pour to an empty filter.

With this coffee primer in hand, will I still seek the perfect treat at local coffee shops? Sure, but not every day. Now I can indulge at home too, crafting a delicious cup, tailored exactly to my tastes. And I’ll still be in my jammies.

Learn more about brewing the perfect cup at home from Arturo and the other knowledgeable staff at the Batdorf and Bronson Tasting Room.

 

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