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Brewing coffee at home is a craft that allows you to experiment, refine, and truly enjoy the art of coffee making. One of the most beloved methods that is not talked about enough is using a Chemex. This iconic brewer, with its elegant glass design and thick paper filters, is perfect for those who want to brew a clean, smooth cup of coffee. We’ll walk you through how to make the perfect Chemex coffee at home, with a focus on using high-quality independent coffee.
Why Choose a Chemex?
The Chemex is a pour-over style coffee maker, invented in 1941 by Peter Schlumbohm. It’s gained popularity not only for its distinctive hourglass shape but also for its ability to produce a cup of coffee that is both rich in flavour and free from bitterness. The thick filters used in the Chemex help to remove oils and sediment, resulting in a cup that is clean and crisp.
But what truly makes a Chemex brew shine is the coffee you use. Independent coffee roasters, like Bean Smitten, are often the best choice when brewing with a Chemex. These roasters focus on quality, ethical sourcing, and fresh roasting, ensuring that you’re getting the most out of your brewing experience.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the brewing process, let’s gather the essentials:
Chemex Brewer: The classic six-cup Chemex is a great starting point.
Chemex Filters: These thick, proprietary filters are key to Chemex’s unique brewing process.
Fresh Coffee Beans: Ideally, you want freshly roasted beans from an independent coffee roaster. Bean Smitten offers a range of single-origin beans that are perfect for Chemex brewing.
Grinder: A burr grinder is best for achieving a consistent medium-coarse grind.
Kettle: A gooseneck kettle is ideal for controlling the pour.
Scale: Precision is important, so a digital scale will help you measure your coffee and water accurately.
Timer: Timing your brew ensures consistency.
Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing with a Chemex
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get brewing!
1. Measure and Grind Your Coffee
Start by measuring out your coffee. The general rule of thumb is to use 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water. For a 6-cup Chemex, you’ll want to use about 42 grams of coffee.
Grind your coffee to a medium-coarse consistency. It should be slightly coarser than sea salt. If you’re using freshly roasted beans from an independent coffee roaster like Bean Smitten, you’ll notice that the grind has a rich aroma, hinting at the flavours to come.
2. Prepare the Chemex
Place a Chemex filter on the top of the brewer, making sure that the thicker side of the filter is aligned with the spout. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the Chemex. Once done, pour out the water.
3. Add Coffee Grounds
Add your freshly ground coffee to the Chemex, gently shaking it to level the grounds. This ensures an even extraction during brewing.
4. Bloom the Coffee
Start by pouring hot water (around 93-96°C) over the coffee grounds, just enough to saturate them evenly. This is called the “bloom” and is an essential step in the Chemex brewing process. The bloom allows the coffee to release trapped gases, which otherwise can interfere with the extraction of flavour. Let the coffee bloom for about 30 to 45 seconds.
5. Continue Pouring
After the bloom, continue to pour water in a slow, circular motion, working your way from the centre of the grounds to the edge and back. Pour steadily and aim to maintain a consistent water level in the Chemex. The total brew time should be around 3 to 4 minutes.
Remember, the quality of your water also plays a significant role in the taste of your coffee. If possible, use filtered water to avoid any unwanted flavours.
6. Let It Drip
Once you’ve poured all the water, let the coffee drip through the filter completely. You should see a steady, slow drip into the bottom of the Chemex. Once the dripping slows to a near stop, remove the filter and discard it.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Pour your freshly brewed coffee into your favourite mug and take a moment to enjoy the aroma. With Chemex, the coffee is known for its clarity and complexity, allowing you to taste the subtle nuances in the beans. This is where independent coffee really shines, as the care and attention put into the roasting process by roasters like Bean Smitten are evident in every sip.
Tips for Perfecting Your Chemex Brew
While the steps above will get you a great cup of coffee, there are a few tips to help you refine your brewing process:
Experiment with Ratios: Depending on your taste preferences, you might want to adjust the coffee-to-water ratio. Some prefer a stronger brew, while others enjoy a more delicate cup.
Mind Your Pour: The way you pour the water affects the extraction. Practice a slow, controlled pour to ensure even saturation of the grounds.
Freshness Matters: Coffee is at its best within two weeks of roasting. Always try to use fresh beans, especially when brewing with a Chemex. Bean Smitten roasts in small batches several times a week, so you can always count on fresh coffee.
Keep Your Equipment Clean: Regularly clean your Chemex, filters, and grinder to prevent any build-up of oils or coffee residues that could affect the taste.
The Independent Coffee Difference
One of the best aspects of using a Chemex is how it highlights the quality of the coffee you’re brewing. Independent coffee roasters, like Bean Smitten, often go the extra mile to source the best beans and roast them to perfection. By choosing independent coffee, you’re not only supporting small businesses, but you’re also getting a product that’s crafted with care and expertise.
At Bean Smitten, we believe that every cup of coffee should be an experience. Whether you’re new to brewing or a seasoned coffee enthusiast, using a Chemex with our hand-roasted beans can elevate your morning routine. Our ethically sourced, freshly roasted beans are perfect for those who appreciate the finer details of coffee.
If you are on the lookout for genuine coffee roasters, get in touch with us today!
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