At Standout Coffee, we’re constantly learning, experimenting, and refining our approach to coffee—because great coffee deserves nothing less. Recently, we had a visit at the roastery that left us inspired to share some tips and insights with all our home coffee geeks.
Liz, a renowned coffee producer, stopped by with her son to cup some coffees they had sent us weeks prior. After roasting the samples and allowing them to rest for a week, we cupped the coffees together. What she said during the session struck a chord:
“We taste our coffees with many friends, but every time we taste them here with you, the coffees are more expressive and tastier.”
First, let us say this—Liz’s coffees are amazing to begin with! But her comment made us reflect on what might make the tasting experience at our roastery stand out. The answer lies in how we approach extraction during cupping.
Our Cupping Method: Maximizing Extraction
When we evaluate coffee—whether it’s a sample or part of our weekly production—we don’t hold back. Our goal is to extract as much as possible from the coffee to fully understand its potential. This means we taste not only the good but also any subtle imperfections, whether they’re related to green coffee or the roast.
Here’s how we do it:
1. Grind Size: We grind the coffee quite fine, somewhere between pour-over and espresso grind.
2. Water Temperature: We always use water at 98°C (just shy of boiling).
3. Brew Ratio: We fill the cupping bowls to the rim, ensuring a high saturation of the coffee grounds.
This approach is intentional—it pushes the coffee to its limits. For exceptional coffees like Liz’s, the result is intensified flavors and a truly expressive cup. However, if there were any underlying issues, the high extraction would reveal them as well.
What This Means for You
If you’re brewing coffee at home, consider experimenting with how much you’re extracting. Try these tweaks to see how they impact the flavors in your cup:
• Grind finer than you usually would for your brew method. Notice how the coffee’s intensity and clarity shift.
• Increase your water temperature, aiming for just below boiling. This ensures you’re pulling out as much as possible from the coffee grounds.
• Use more water as this will extract more flavor. Increase your brew ratio slightly.
Challenge yourself to push the boundaries of extraction. Even if your coffee is excellent, like Liz’s, you might uncover new layers of complexity or hidden notes you’ve never experienced before.
The Takeaway
Liz’s visit reminded us of the power of experimentation. By aiming for maximum extraction during cupping, we not only showcased the best qualities of her coffee but also reaffirmed how important it is to understand your coffee fully.
So, next time you brew at home, don’t be afraid to push your limits. Who knows? You might discover something extraordinary in your cup.
Let us know how your experiments go—we’d love to hear about your findings. Happy brewing! 🤩
