1. Why Water Temperature Matter

Water temperature is key to extracting the right flavors from your coffee beans. Too hot, and you risk over-extraction, resulting in a bitter or burnt taste. Too cold, and you may under-extract, leading to weak, sour, or flat flavors.

The ideal temperature range for brewing coffee is typically between 90°C and 96°C. This range ensures that water extracts the soluble compounds in coffee beans that give it its flavor—such as oils, acids, and sugars—without overdoing it.

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2. The Impact of Temperature on Flavor

Here’s how different water temperatures can influence your coffee’s flavor:

• Below 90°C (195°F): Under-extraction is likely to occur at lower temperatures, leaving your coffee tasting sour, thin, or overly acidic. The compounds responsible for sweetness and body won’t fully dissolve, and you’ll miss out on the depth of flavor your beans offer.

• Above 96°C (205°F): Brewing coffee at temperatures above 96°C can result in over-extraction. This means the water is extracting not only the desirable flavors but also undesirable ones, leading to bitterness, harshness, or a burnt aftertaste.

• The Sweet Spot: Brewing within the 90°C to 96°C range ensures optimal extraction, balancing acidity, sweetness, and bitterness, and delivering a well-rounded flavor profile. This is especially important for beans like our medium and medium light roasts, which offer delicate flavor notes.

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3. Matching Water Temperature with Brewing Methods

Different brewing methods have varying needs when it comes to water temperature. Here’s a breakdown of the ideal water temperature for each method:

• Espresso: 90°C to 96°C. Due to the short extraction time and high pressure, the ideal temperature for espresso is within the standard range but on the lower end to prevent over-extraction.

• Pour-Over: 92°C to 96°C. Pour-over methods, like V60 or Chemex, allow for greater control over water temperature. Use hotter water to bring out the complexity in medium or darker roasts.

• French Press: 90°C to 94°C. Since French press allows for longer steeping, slightly cooler water can help avoid over-extraction and bitterness.

• Cold Brew: While cold brew doesn’t use hot water, the steeping process takes place over an extended period. Cold water extraction takes longer but results in a smoother, less acidic brew.

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4. Tips for Controlling Water Temperature

• Use a Kettle with Temperature Control: If precision is your goal, invest in a kettle with adjustable temperature settings. This will allow you to hit the exact temperature you need for each brew method.

• Let Water Cool After Boiling: If you don’t have a temperature-controlled kettle, bring water to a boil and then let it sit for about 30 seconds to cool slightly before pouring.

• Know Your Brewing Method: Adjust your water temperature based on the coffee beans and brewing method you’re using. Lighter roasts might benefit from a slightly higher temperature to bring out their nuanced flavors, while darker roasts often taste better with slightly cooler water.

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Water temperature might be an overlooked factor in brewing, but it’s one of the most important elements for unlocking the full potential of your coffee. By brewing at the right temperature, you can achieve a balanced, flavorful cup that highlights the unique characteristics of our coffee beans. So the next time you brew, remember—temperature is key to the perfect cup.