Coffee FAQ
Why whole bean coffee?
Buying whole bean means your coffee stays fresher for longer. Once ground, oxidation happens much more rapidly due to the larger surface area. That's why grinding immediately before brewing always gives you a tastier, more aromatic cup of coffee. We're always happy to pre-grind your coffee here at the shop, but whole beans and a nice burr grinder will really take your coffee to the next level!
How soon can I try my new coffee?
Coffee beans emit a significant amount of carbon dioxide after roasting and need time to degas. For best taste, we recommend letting your coffee "rest" for at least 24 hours before brewing. If your coffee will be shipped, it will be good to go upon arrival!
How do I store my new coffee?
Your bag of Koawood Coffee will arrive in a sealed, air-tight bag with a degassing valve and resealable zip-lock. If not consumed within 2 weeks, we recommend using an air-tight canister to store the remaining coffee. Always store your coffee in a dry, dark place away from direct heat or sunlight. This may go without saying, but NEVER refrigerate your coffee!
What kind of grinder do I need?
Grinding consistency is the key here, meaning that old blade grinder you got from grandma in '95 just won't cut it. At the very least, you'll need a burr grinder. If you love espresso like we do, you'll need one that is highly adjustable to fine tune extraction times. Baratza makes very good, relatively inexpensive grinders and would be a good place to start your search.
How much ground coffee should I use?
For the best repeatable cup, you'll need a scale to weigh your water and coffee doses. The SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) Gold Cup Standard is 55 grams of ground coffee per liter (1,000g) of water; about a 1:18 coffee to water ratio. We recommend weighing the amount of water you'll be using and then dividing those units by 18. This will give you the ideal amount of coffee needed. Then, you can adjust the ratio to your desired taste. You'll get good results anywhere between 1:15 (for a stronger cup) up through 1:18.
Best brewing methods?
We generally recommend manual methods when time allows. Pick up a gooseneck water kettle and use a French Press or Aeropress for the most body. Or, for a cleaner cup, use pour-over devices like Chemex (our fave!), V60, or Kalita Wave. If you're the impatient type, search for auto-drip machines by Bonavita, Technivorm and Breville that emulate the pour over method. Whichever method you choose, always use filtered water (not distilled!) and make sure your brewing temp is between 195 and 205 degrees.