Brewing Methods Demystified: Finding Your Perfect Brew

You have freshly roasted Kenyan beans and understand the importance of grinding fresh. Now it’s time to discover how brewing methods impact your cup, so you can consistently craft coffee that excites your palate.

At Cafe Nairobi, we believe brewing is where art meets science, allowing you to unlock the bright acidity, floral notes, and complex sweetness of Kenyan coffees.

Why Brewing Method Matters

Your brewing method determines:

• Extraction time (how long water interacts with your coffee)
• Clarity or body in your cup.
• How acidity, sweetness, and bitterness balance.

Choosing the right method allows you to highlight the unique flavors of your beans while matching your preferred mouthfeel.

Popular Brewing Methods Explained

1️⃣ Pour-Over (V60, Chemex, Kalita)

• Produces a clean, bright cup showcasing acidity and clarity.
• Ideal for Kenyan coffees with fruity and floral profiles.
• Control variables: water temperature, pour rate, bloom, and grind size (medium-fine).

Learn more: PT’s Pour Over Brew Guide

2️⃣ French Press

• Full immersion brewing for richer, fuller-bodied coffee.
• Paperless brewing retains oils for a heavier mouthfeel.
• Grind size: coarse; brew time: 4 minutes.

Guide: French Press Brew Guide – Beanberry Coffee

3️⃣ AeroPress

• Versatile and portable, producing clean cups or espresso-like brews.
• Great for experimenting with different recipes.
• Grind size: medium; brew time: 2–3 minutes.

Learn more: Guide to AeroPress – Counter Culture Coffee

4️⃣ Espresso

• Pressurized extraction produces a concentrated, syrupy shot with crema.
• Highlights sweetness and complexity while balancing acidity.
• Requires fine grind and precise control of dose, time, and temperature.

Explore: Espresso Parameters – Nossa Familia Coffee

Choosing the Right Method

Consider:

• Flavors you want to highlight: Bright, floral → pour-over; heavy, chocolatey → French Press.
• Time and equipment available: AeroPress for speed and versatility; espresso for advanced brewing.
• Desired body and mouthfeel: Pour-over for clarity; French Press for body; espresso for intensity.

Experimenting to Find Your Sweet Spot

Start with:

• Freshly ground Cafe Nairobi beans
• Your chosen method
• A brewing ratio (1:15–1:17 for pour-over, 1:2 for espresso)

Take notes on:

• Flavor clarity
• Acidity and sweetness balance
• Body and aftertaste

Adjust variables one at a time (grind size, water temperature, ratio) to refine your brew.

Your Action Steps This Week:

• Select a brewing method you wish to master.
• Brew using your fresh Kenyan beans, taking notes.
• Adjust variables and taste the differences.
• Share your brewing journey with us on Facebook @CafeNairobi.

Ready to brew? Shop our freshly roasted Kenyan coffee to explore how brewing methods transform your coffee.

What’s Next?

🎬 Chapter 4: The Art of Latte Art at Home – Learn how to steam milk, pour basic patterns, and elevate your coffee experience visually.