The World of Home Brewing.

Embarking on home coffee brewing is an adventure that swings between the thrill of perfecting your pour and the satisfaction of that first flawless sip. It's a journey from novice to aficionado that, with a bit of guidance, is filled with discovery and joy.

Freshness
Think of your coffee beans as little packets of joy, bursting with flavour and aroma. However, like all good things, they don't last forever. The secret to capturing their magic is freshness, but with a couple of caveats. It really depends on how the coffee has been roasted, but in general, we'd say that coffee is at its peak within three weeks of roasting. Beyond that, it starts losing its sparkle, becoming a shadow of its former self. That said, you need to 'rest' newly roasted coffee for a minimum of 4 days (and ideally around a week) to allow it to 'degas'. Luckily, we've started displaying all the roast dates of the coffees on our website, so if you're looking to brew something immediately, pick something that's already been well-rested!

Choosing Your Brewing Method
Selecting how to brew your coffee is like choosing the right tool for a job. Each method has its charm and suits different moods and moments:

• AeroPress: Perfect for adventurers, delivering rich coffee whether you're at home or on a mountain.
• V60: For lovers of clean, pure flavours, it's a method that turns brewing into an art form.
• Drip: The dependable choice for everyday ease and consistency.
• Cold Brew: Smooth, chilled coffee with a gentle kick, ideal for warmer days or when you crave something less acidic.
• French Press: Rich and full-bodied, it's coffee with depth, perfect for those leisurely mornings.
• Espresso: The essence of coffee in a small, powerful shot. Espresso appeals to those who love coffee's depth and strength. Achieving its rich, creamy texture requires skill and a quality machine.
• Moka Pot: Known as the home espresso maker, the Moka Pot uses steam pressure to push water through coffee grounds, creating a strong and flavourful cup.

Start with a Solid Recipe
Approach brewing coffee with the mindset of a scientist and the heart of an artist. Begin with a reliable recipe to get the basics down; then, don't hesitate to tweak it to your taste. The beauty of coffee is in its variability; strength, flavour, and body can all be adjusted. If your brew is too strong, use less coffee. If it's too weak, add a bit more, and play around with your grind size too; all of these factors make a huge difference to the end cup.

If you're looking for some solid recipes and a fantastic place to learn more about coffee, we'd recommend checking out Coffee Wizard James Hoffmann's YouTube channel.

Storage Tips for Lasting Freshness
Keeping your coffee fresh until the next brew is simpler than you might think:

• Always opt for whole beans and grind them just before brewing.
• Store your beans in an airtight container, away from light and heat.