Chemex

The Chemex is renowned for producing a clean, flavorful cup of coffee due to its thick filter and unique design. Here’s a guide to help you brew the perfect Chemex coffee:

What You’ll Need:

• Freshly roasted coffee beans

• Chemex coffee maker

• Chemex paper filter

• Coffee grinder

• Gooseneck kettle

• Digital scale

• Timer

• Hot water (about 200°F or 93°C)

Steps:

1. Preparation:

• Boil Water: Heat water to about 200°F (93°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, bring the water to a boil and let it sit for about 30 seconds.

• Grind Coffee: Grind your coffee beans to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to sea salt. Use about 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water (a 1:15 ratio is a good starting point). For a standard 6-cup Chemex, use 40 grams of coffee and 600 grams (or ml) of water.

2. Setup:

• Rinse the Filter: Place the Chemex filter in the Chemex with the triple-fold portion lined up against the spout. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the Chemex. Discard the rinse water.

• Add Coffee: Place the ground coffee into the filter and gently shake to level the grounds.

3. Bloom:

• Start your timer and pour about 80 grams of hot water over the grounds, ensuring all the coffee is saturated. This is called the bloom and allows gases to escape. Let it bloom for about 30-45 seconds.

4. Main Pour:

• After the bloom, slowly pour the remaining water in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outwards, avoiding the edges. Pour steadily and try to maintain a consistent water level in the Chemex. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Aim to finish pouring by the 3-minute mark.

5. Final Drip:

• Once you’ve poured all the water, let the coffee drip through the filter completely. The total brew time, including the bloom, should be around 4-5 minutes.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Remove the filter and discard it. Give your coffee a gentle swirl to mix the flavors, and enjoy your perfectly brewed Chemex coffee.

Tips for Perfection:

• Fresh Coffee: Use freshly roasted coffee beans and grind them just before brewing for the best flavor.

• Consistent Grind Size: Ensure a consistent grind size to promote even extraction.

• Water Quality: Use filtered water to avoid any off-flavors from tap water.

• Pour Technique: Pour in a controlled and steady manner, maintaining a consistent water level to ensure even extraction.

• Adjustments: Adjust the grind size, coffee-to-water ratio, and pour technique based on your taste preferences and the specific coffee beans you’re using.

By practicing and fine-tuning these variables, you’ll be able to brew a perfect cup of Chemex coffee tailored to your taste. Enjoy the clarity and complexity that the Chemex brings to your coffee experience!