Lecture Notes on Coffee Knowledge and Brewing Techniques

Introduction

• Presenter: Experienced coffee enthusiast since 2008, licensed Q grader since 2018.
• Goal: Share insights that could save time and effort for coffee enthusiasts.

Key Insights and Tips

1. Specialty Coffee Mindset

• Compare specialty coffee to niche music genres (jazz, indie rock, classical).
• Transitioning from mainstream coffee can be a shock; persistence is key.

2. Avoiding Scams

• Avoid Kopi Luwak coffee; it's overpriced and not of superior taste or quality.

3. Learning Curve

• Early learning was slow; significant improvement seen with professional cupping.
• Cupping: tasting different coffees simultaneously with experts speeds up learning.

4. Coffee Origins and Processing

• Geographic location (Hawaii, Jamaica) less important than processing methods and bean variety.
• Example: Kenyan coffee praised for its type and processing method; Brazilian coffee known for pulp naturals processing.
• Ethiopian coffee is exceptional.

5. Brewing Methods and Equipment

• Recommended method: Pour over with Hario V60; affordable and high ROI.
• Consider Hario Switch for added brewing control.
• Invest in a good hand grinder ($100-$150 range).
• Law of diminishing returns applies to grinders; significant improvements above $700.

6. Coffee Preferences

• Strong coffee lovers might prefer Aeropress or Moka Pot to start.
• Espresso machines are costly and labor-intensive.
• Start with dark or medium roasts for espresso.

Water for Brewing

• Start with relatively soft water for better results; use a TDS meter.
• Avoid complex DIY water recipes.
• Ideal coffee water should have some calcium.

Espresso Brewing

• Avoid light roasts initially for espresso due to extraction difficulty.
• Longer espresso ratios provide balance.
• Essential gear: magnetic funnel, puck screen, calibrated tamper.

Coffee Freshness

• Consume coffee within 1-3 weeks of roasting; adjust for climate.
• Store in fridge/freezer to prevent staleness.
• Ensure proper sealing to avoid flavor contamination.

Coffee Processing Methods

• Honey process: dried with mucilage.
• Natural process: dried inside the cherry.
• Washed process: common but not necessarily best for palate expansion.

Cupping and Tasting

• Cupping with professionals accelerates knowledge.
• Compare Arabica with Robusta to understand quality differences.
• Consider home roasting for flavor exploration, not cost savings.

General Coffee Brewing Philosophy

• Be wary of extreme trends in brewing.
• Focus on personal taste preferences.

Additional Resources

• Reference guides and videos available for further learning on grinders and common brewing mistakes.