French Press Guide

This coffee method, known for its simplicity and rich, full-bodied results, is about to become your new favourite way to start the day. This detailed guide will help you unlock the full potential of your French press, and of your Percup beans.

What You'll Need:

  • Freshly roasted coffee beans from Percup
  • A French Press
  • A kettle
  • A burr grinder (like the Commandante for its reliable, even grind)
  • A digital scale (Felicita is a top pick for precision)
  • A timer
  • A spoon for stirring
  • A second vessel for decanting (like a carafe or another French Press)

1. Dose and Grind:

Weigh your coffee beans. A good ratio to start with is 1:15 (coffee to water). So for a 1 litre French press, you'll need about 67g of coffee. Grind your beans to a coarse consistency. The resulting coffee grounds should resemble sea salt.

2. Add Coffee and Water:

Add the ground coffee to your French press. Then, start your timer and pour in water that’s just off the boil (around 96°C or 205°F). Make sure all the coffee grounds are saturated. The water should be approximately twice the weight of the coffee for this initial pour.

3. The Bloom:

Give the coffee a gentle stir to ensure all the grounds are fully immersed. Let this mixture sit for about 4 minutes. This is often called the 'bloom' stage, where the coffee releases carbon dioxide and begins to extract.

4. Break the Crust and Scoop:

After the 4-minute mark, you'll notice a crust of coffee grounds on the surface. Gently stir the brew to break this crust, and let the remaining grounds settle. Then, using a spoon, skim off any remaining coffee grounds from the surface.

5. Wait:

Now comes the hardest part: the waiting game. Let your coffee sit undisturbed for an additional 5-7 minutes. This allows for a more complete extraction, coaxing out the complex flavours and nuances of your Percup beans.

6. Decant and Enjoy:

Finally, without plunging, carefully pour the coffee into a second vessel, leaving the sediment behind. You want to keep the brew as clean and clear as possible for optimal flavour.

And there you have it, a beautifully brewed French press coffee. Don't forget to taste and adjust your process as needed. Brewing coffee is about exploration and enjoyment, and the French press is a great tool for both. So sit back, savour your brew, and enjoy the journey.