A Simple Guide to Brewing Coffee at Home

You do not need a complicated setup to brew a good cup at home. A few habits matter more than the device you use: start with coffee that matches how you like to drink it, grind it shortly before brewing when you can, and use clean equipment and fresh water.

Grind and water

As a general rule, a finer grind suits espresso-style brewing, a medium grind suits drip and pour-over, and a coarse grind suits French press and cold brew. If a cup tastes sharp or thin, the grind may be too coarse or the brew time too short. If it tastes heavy or harsh, the grind may be too fine or the coffee may have stayed in contact with the water for too long. Use water just off the boil for most hot methods, and give the coffee a moment to bloom if you are pouring by hand.

If you are still deciding what you like, a sample pack is a practical way to try several Chrysobull coffees in 2 oz amounts. The catalog includes single-origin coffees, blends, and flavored coffees.

Cold brew

Cold brew is steeped in cold or room-temperature water for many hours, then filtered. A coarse grind is the usual starting point, because fine particles can make the concentrate cloudy and over-extracted. In our catalog, Cold Brew Coffee – French Roast is described as a dark French roast blended for cold brew, with very coarse grounds and no additives—just 100% coffee. Cold Brew Coffee – Medium Roast is a medium roast with chocolate, toffee, and floral tones, listed as great for cold brew or nitro.

Steep time is a matter of taste and temperature; many home brewers start in the 12-to-18-hour range in the refrigerator and adjust from there. Dilute the concentrate with water or milk to taste.

Chrysobull Coffee Co. is based in Phoenix, Arizona, and ships coffee worldwide. For questions about a specific coffee, see our FAQ or contact us.