Brewing Guide
Brew Better Coffee at Home
Welcome!
Thanks for choosing Reading Coffee Company.
Whether this is your very first bag of specialty coffee or you've been brewing for years, we're glad you're here. Our coffees are roasted with care to highlight the unique flavors nature created—from rich chocolate and caramel to bright citrus, berries, florals, and everything in between.
There isn't just one "correct" way to brew coffee. The best cup is the one you enjoy drinking. Consider these recommendations a great place to start, then adjust to suit your own taste.
Before You Brew
Start with Fresh Coffee
Coffee is at its best when enjoyed fresh. Store your coffee in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and moisture. Keep it sealed tightly, and avoid storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.
Use Great Water
Coffee is over 98% water, so the quality of your water matters. If your tap water doesn't taste great by itself, it probably won't make the best coffee. Filtered water is always a good choice.
Grind Matters
Whole bean coffee stays fresher longer. If possible, grind your coffee just before brewing.
As a general guide:
- Coarse: French Press, Cold Brew
- Medium-Coarse: Chemex
- Medium: Drip Coffee Makers, Pour Over
- Medium-Fine: AeroPress
- Fine: Espresso
Our Starting Recipe
A simple ratio works for almost every brewing method:
1 gram of coffee for every 16-17 grams of water
Or, if you don't have a scale:
- 2 tablespoons of coffee
- for every 6 ounces of water
Want a stronger cup? Add a little more coffee.
Prefer something lighter? Use a little less.
Brewing Methods
Drip Coffee Maker
The easiest way to make consistently great coffee.
- Medium grind
- Water just off boil (about 195–205°F)
- Brew time: 4–6 minutes
Our tip: Keep your coffee maker clean. Old coffee oils can make even great coffee taste bitter.
Pour Over (V60, Kalita, Melitta, etc.)
Produces a clean, bright cup that highlights delicate flavors.
- Medium grind
- Wet the filter first
- Pour slowly in circles
- Total brew time: about 3–4 minutes
Chemex
Known for an exceptionally clean, smooth cup.
- Medium-coarse grind
- Rinse the filter before brewing
- Brew time: 4–5 minutes
French Press
Rich, full-bodied, and incredibly forgiving.
- Coarse grind
- Steep for about 4 minutes
- Press slowly
- Pour immediately after pressing
Leaving coffee sitting in the French Press can make it bitter over time.
Espresso
Espresso is concentrated coffee brewed under pressure.
Every espresso machine behaves a little differently, but a good starting point is:
- Fine grind
- About 18 grams of coffee
- Approximately 36 grams of espresso in 25–30 seconds
Don't be afraid to make small adjustments until it tastes just right.
Cold Brew
Perfect for smooth, low-acidity coffee.
- Coarse grind
- Steep in cold water for 12–18 hours
- Strain well
- Serve over ice or dilute to taste
Troubleshooting Your Coffee
Too Bitter?
- Grind a little coarser.
- Brew for less time.
- Use slightly cooler water.
Too Sour or Weak?
- Grind a little finer.
- Brew a little longer.
- Use a bit more coffee.
Too Strong?
- Use less coffee or add a little more water.
Remember, coffee isn't chemistry homework. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
Keep Exploring
Every coffee tells a different story.
A washed Colombian may taste completely different from a naturally processed Ethiopian or a honey-processed Central American coffee—even when brewed the exact same way.
Experiment. Try new origins. Change your brewing method. Discover what you love.
That's part of the fun.
Have Questions?
Our team loves talking coffee.
Visit us at our Birdsboro Headquarters Café or our Douglassville Café, or explore more coffees, brewing equipment, and classes anytime at:
Happy Brewing!
— The Reading Coffee Company Team