The Royal Brew
Brewing great coffee at home isn’t just about the beans — it’s about how you treat them. Whether you’re using ground coffee or grinding your own from whole beans, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you’re getting the best flavour in every cup.
It all begins with good coffee. Choose freshly roasted, specialty-grade beans for a cleaner, more complex cup. At Baristocrats, we’ve curated a range of single origin and blended coffees to suit every taste — from rich, chocolatey profiles to bright and fruity notes.
Whole Bean vs. Ground: Whole bean coffee will always be fresher, especially if you’re brewing over time. If you have a grinder at home, go for whole beans and grind just before brewing. If convenience is key, make sure your pre-ground coffee is as fresh as possible.
The grind size affects extraction and flavour. Too fine, and your coffee can taste bitter; too coarse, and it might be weak or sour. Here’s a quick guide:
French Press: Coarse grind (like sea salt)
Pour Over/Chemex: Medium-coarse
Drip Machine: Medium
Espresso: Fine
A burr grinder is a good investment for more consistent grind sizes compared to a blade grinder.
Use a ratio of 1:15 to 1:17 — that’s 1 gram of coffee for every 15–17 grams (or ml) of water. For example, 20g of coffee to 300ml of water is a good place to start. Adjust based on your taste preferences.
Your water should be just off the boil — around 90–96°C (195–205°F). Too hot, and you risk over-extraction. Too cool, and the flavour won’t develop fully.
Each brew method has its quirks:
French Press: Let it steep for 4 minutes, then press gently. Stir before plunging for even extraction.
Pour Over: Use a gooseneck kettle for control. Pour in slow circles, allowing time for the coffee to bloom (release gas).
AeroPress: Play around with ratios and brew time — it’s incredibly versatile.
Espresso Machine: Keep it clean. Espresso is unforgiving with dirty machines.
Freshness matters. Store coffee in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. Our Baristocrats bags are sealable and include a degassing valve, so you can keep your beans fresh for longer without transferring them. But whatever coffee you're using, make sure it’s protected from air and moisture.
The perfect home brew is about small steps adding up to big flavour. With the right beans, grind, water, and method, you can get café-level results without leaving your kitchen. Take the time to dial it in — your morning coffee will thank you.
Happy brewing!
— Baristocrats ☕