Café Nairobi Coffee Brewing Guide

Welcome to the Art of Brewing Café Nairobi Coffee

At Café Nairobi, our coffee beans are meticulously sourced from the fertile, volcanic soils surrounding Mount Kenya, known for producing some of the world’s finest Arabica coffee. Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing ensures every cup is an authentic experience of Kenyan flavor, from vibrant floral notes to deep, chocolatey undertones.

Whether you prefer a strong espresso, a refreshing cold brew, or a delicate pour-over, this guide will help you make the most of each Café Nairobi roast. Let’s dive into the best brewing practices tailored to highlight the uniqueness of Kenyan coffee.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Roast for Your Brewing Method

Each Café Nairobi roast has been specially crafted to cater to different brewing preferences. Here’s a quick guide to help you match the roast with the ideal brewing technique:

- Light Roast: Best for pour-over methods like Chemex or Hario V60. Expect a bright cup with floral and citrus notes.

- Medium Roast: Highly versatile, suitable for drip coffee makers, Aeropress, and French Press. This roast balances richness with fruity undertones.

- Dark Roast: Works well with French Press, Aeropress, and drip coffee makers. Delivers a bold, full-bodied experience with a smoky, chocolatey finish.

- Espresso Roast: Ideal for espresso machines, yielding a rich crema with dark chocolate and subtle citrus notes.

- Cold Brew Roast: Specially designed for cold brew. Highlights natural sweetness with notes of cocoa, caramel, and nuttiness.

- French Press Roast: Perfect for French Press, featuring earthy tones and a smooth finish.

Step 2: Selecting the Right Grind Size

The grind size directly impacts the flavor and texture of your coffee. Here’s a breakdown for each brewing method:

- Extra Coarse Grind: For cold brew and cowboy coffee.

- Coarse Grind: Ideal for French Press and percolator.

- Medium-Coarse Grind: Suitable for Chemex and Clever Dripper.

- Medium Grind: Works for drip/regular coffee makers with filter, siphon brewers, and Aeropress with longer brewing times.

- Medium-Fine Grind: Recommended for Hario V60 and Aeropress with shorter brew times.

- Fine Grind: Necessary for espresso and **Moka pots.

- Extra Fine: Used exclusively for Turkish coffee.

Step 3: Brewing Methods  

      1. French Press

Ingredients: 1 cup (8 oz) hot water (around 200°F) and 2 tablespoons (10g) of coarsely ground Café Nairobi French Press Roast.

Instructions:

- Add ground coffee to the French Press.

- Pour hot water over the grounds, stirring gently.

- Place the lid on, letting the coffee steep for 4 minutes.

- Slowly press the plunger down to separate the grounds, then pour into your cup. Enjoy the earthy, full-bodied taste with hints of dark chocolate.

       2. Pour-Over (Chemex or Hario V60)

Ingredients: 1 cup (8 oz) hot water and 2 tablespoons (10g) of medium-coarse ground Café Nairobi Light Roast.

Instructions:

- Place a filter in your pour-over device and rinse it with hot water to eliminate any paper taste.

- Add the ground coffee, pouring a small amount of hot water in a circular motion to let the coffee “bloom” for 30 seconds.

- Gradually pour the remaining water in a slow, steady spiral motion until all the water passes through the grounds. This method brings out delicate floral and fruity notes in the coffee.

       3. Espresso

Ingredients: Use 0.35 oz (10g) of finely ground Café Nairobi Espresso Roast for a 1 oz shot.

Instructions:

- Pack the ground coffee into the espresso machine’s portafilter and tamp evenly. -- Brew for about 25–30 seconds, yielding a rich, flavorful shot with velvety crema, dark chocolate, and hints of citrus.

     4. Cold Brew

Ingredients: 1 cup (8 oz) cold water and 2 tablespoons (10g) of extra-coarse ground Café Nairobi Cold Brew Roast.

Instructions:

- In a large jar, combine cold water and coffee grounds, stirring to saturate evenly.

- Cover and refrigerate for 12–24 hours.

- Strain using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Serve over ice and savor the smooth, naturally sweet flavors of cold-brewed Kenyan coffee.

    5. Drip Coffee Maker

Ingredients: 1 cup (8 oz) water and 2 tablespoons (10g) of medium ground Café Nairobi Medium Roast.

Instructions:

- Place a filter in your drip coffee maker, add the coffee grounds, and pour the water.

- Start the machine and let it brew. The drip method delivers a balanced cup, showcasing Kenyan coffee’s fruity undertones and chocolatey notes.

Step 4: Storage Tips for Freshness

To maintain the freshness and flavor of your Café Nairobi coffee:

1. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place away from moisture, heat, and light.

2. Avoid refrigeration as coffee absorbs odors easily, and condensation can alter its taste.

3. Grind Just Before Brewing: Purchase whole beans and grind only the amount you need per brew for maximum flavor.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Brew

- Use Filtered Water: The quality of water affects your coffee. Filtered water prevents any minerals or impurities from altering the taste.

- Temperature Matters: Ideal water temperature is between 195°F and 205°F. If it’s too hot, the coffee will be bitter; too cold, and it will be under-extracted.

- Experiment and Enjoy: Try different roast levels, grind sizes, and brewing techniques to find your preferred flavor profile. Café Nairobi’s diverse selection offers a world of flavors to explore.

Café Nairobi’s Recommended Pairings

Enjoying Café Nairobi coffee is a sensory experience. Here are some pairing suggestions for a memorable tasting journey:

- Light Roast: Complements citrus fruits, pastries, and light cheeses.

- Medium Roast: Pairs well with chocolate desserts, berries, and almond croissants.

- Dark Roast: Enjoy with dark chocolate, caramel-based treats, or savory dishes.

- Cold Brew: Perfect with fresh fruit salads or a dash of milk for a refreshing, creamy drink.

By following this guide, you’re not just brewing coffee - you are crafting an experience that celebrates the distinct flavors of Kenyan coffee and the artistry behind every roast. With Café Nairobi, each cup is an invitation to explore Kenya’s rich coffee heritage, taste the dedication of its farmers, and savor the vibrant spirit of Africa.