Chemex brewing is a pour-over method that utilizes a special hourglass-shaped glass coffee maker. It is known for its clean and crisp flavor profile. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Equipment:
- Chemex coffee maker
- Chemex bonded paper filters
- Hot water kettle
- Coffee grinder
- Fresh coffee beans
- Timer
- Stirrer
- Scale (optional)
Steps:
- Begin by heating water in the kettle to the desired brewing temperature (around 195-205°F).
- Unfold a Chemex bonded paper filter and place it in the top part of the coffee maker, ensuring that the triple-fold side faces the spout.
- Rinse the filter with hot water to preheat the Chemex and remove any paper taste. Discard the rinse water.
- Grind your coffee beans to a medium-coarse consistency.
- Add the ground coffee to the filter, gently shaking it to level the bed.
- Start the timer and begin pouring water slowly over the coffee grounds, starting from the center and moving outward in a spiral motion.
- Pour just enough water to saturate the coffee grounds, known as the bloom. Allow it to rest for about 30 seconds, allowing the coffee to degas.
- Continue pouring in a slow and controlled manner, maintaining an even water flow. Aim to keep the water level about half an inch below the rim of the Chemex.
- Once you’ve reached the desired volume of brewed coffee, stop pouring and let the remaining water drip through the filter.
- Remove the filter, discard the grounds, and serve the freshly brewed coffee.
Tips:
- Use a ratio of 1:16 coffee to water (adjust to taste).
- Experiment with different coffee beans and grind sizes to discover your preferred flavor profile.
- Preheating the Chemex and rinsing the filter helps to maintain optimal brewing temperature and remove any paper residue.
