Choosing the Right Beans for Your Brew
Not all coffee beans work the same way in every brewing method. Some bring out deep, rich flavors, while others shine in a lighter, smoother cup. If your coffee isn’t tasting right, you might be using the wrong beans.
Here’s how to match your beans to your brewing style.
Espresso: Go for Bold
• Best Roast: Medium to dark
• Best Grind: Fine
Espresso needs high pressure to extract flavors fast. Darker roasts hold up better, giving you a strong, balanced shot. A fine grind slows the water flow, keeping the shot from running too fast and tasting weak.
French Press: Keep It Coarse
• Best Roast: Medium to dark
• Best Grind: Coarse
French press is all about full-bodied coffee. A coarse grind keeps it from turning into sludge. Darker roasts give it a strong, deep taste, but a medium roast works too if you like something milder.
Pour-Over: Let the Flavors Shine
• Best Roast: Light to medium
• Best Grind: Medium
Pour-over brewing brings out bright, crisp flavors. A lighter roast keeps the natural coffee notes front and center. A medium grind makes sure the water flows evenly, so you don’t end up with sour or bitter coffee.
Cold Brew: Smooth and Strong
• Best Roast: Medium to dark
• Best Grind: Coarse
Cold brew steeps for hours, so you need a coarse grind to avoid over-extraction. Darker roasts work well because they hold up to long brewing and taste smooth even when cold. We prefer using our freeze dried instant coffee for instant coffee because it is so simple and will dissolve in cold milk.
Try It Yourself
Next time your coffee doesn’t taste right, check your beans and grind size. Making small changes can bring out better flavors. Experiment and find what works for you.
