What are the secrets to making great coffee?
Coffee beans come in as many flavours and intensities as there are ways of preparing them, and their varied accents have the ability to whisk us away and discover the tastes of their regions and countries of origin.
At Brûlerie des Monts, we have mastered the art of roasting. Now it’s your turn to master it and prepare delicious coffee at home!
Here are a few tips to follow so you can make great coffee at home.
Choosing the right grind
In addition to choosing the right roasting method, choosing the right grind is one of the main factors that determine the aroma and smoothness of the final product.
Depending on the grind type – from fine to coarse – the end result will be completely different. The grind must be adapted to your equipment.
To determine the right grind for your coffee, follow this simple rule: the less contact time between the coffee and the water, the finer the grind must be.
Here is a guide to the types of grinds to use for different equipment.
Roasting
Roasting is the process in which the coffee beans are cooked. Depending on the roasting time, grilled beans will take on a lighter or darker colour. The longer the bean is roasted, the darker it will be, and the darker the coffee will be as well.
How does roasting work?
Beans are heated in the roaster at a temperature of 175-200 °C. Under the heat, beans change shape; they expand, lose their water content and as a result, their weight. Beans start out an olive-green colour and change to brown, while releasing water-soluble aromatic oils, which fuse with the water. They are then air-cooled in order to seal in the aroma and extract the most flavour possible during infusion.
Body
Light-Fleeting
Smooth-Present
Rich
The body of a coffee is the measurement of its viscosity and heaviness, and is what defines its final flavour. On the palate, coffee can have a light or silky texture that could almost be called syrupy.
The body mainly comes from the essential oils extracted from the coffee. The infusion process has an effect on the body of the brew. While filter coffee machines tend to trap oils and flavours in their filters, espresso machines retain them in the beans, which is why espresso coffee is so rich and silky.
Body also depends on the coffee’s origin; an African coffee will have a heavier body than an Indonesian coffee or a Central American coffee.
Finish
Short
Medium
Lingering
Some people prefer a coffee that leaves no aftertaste; while others enjoy a strong and persistent aroma that lets you appreciate all the flavours of the coffee.
To help you take a personalized tasting trip through our different coffee varieties, we have developed flavour pastilles that indicate the length of the mouth taste and makes identifying your favourite blends even easier.
Explore our online boutique to see our vast selection of coffees. Don’t hesitate to ask us any questions when you visit us next! Coffee is our true passion, and we will be pleased to exchange with you and help you discover new coffees!
