Half Caf and Decaf Brew Tips

We want to share some of our favorite tips for getting the most out of your Savorista coffee. If it feels like too much to try all at once, start with just one or two at a time and layer in more as you are ready.

Grind - boost flavors by grinding coffee just before you brew. Pre-ground has more surface area that is exposed to oxygen and diminishes the flavor over time. Burr grinders are better than blade grinders because they produce a more uniform grind size. For decaf, it can be helpful to grind a notch or two coarser than you would grind caffeinated coffee for the same brew method

Weigh - Measure coffee by weight, not volume. We generally like 15-16 grams of water per 1 gram of coffee. That’s approximately ½ oz of coffee by weight for every 8 fl oz of water. Start here and tweak for your brew method and coffee.

Water Quality - Coffee is 98% water. Certain minerals in your tap water can make coffee taste harsh or mask the brightness of your coffee. We always brew with distilled water and coffee minerals, like those from Third Wave Water. If that sounds like too much work, try a taste test with spring water vs your tap water to see which you prefer.

Water Temp - The water should be between 195 degrees and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Water that is too cold makes coffee taste flat and if it is too hot, it can scorch the coffee.

Bloom - Improve flavors and reduce sourness by releasing the CO2 from your coffee grounds. At the start of your brew, pour enough hot water to cover the grounds and wait for 30-45 seconds for it to bubble as it releases CO2. Then continue brewing. 

Experiment! Experiment with grind coarseness, coffee to water ratios, brew methods and bean varieties to craft YOUR perfect brew. I keep a journal on my coffee station to jot down different brew ratios and what I thought of the coffee

More detailed instructions for Pour Over, French Press and Aeropress brewing can be found here.  

Questions or need more help dialing in your Savorista brew? Reach out to us at hello@savorista.com