Tips for Making Coffee - Brew Strength

Coffee brew strength is a personal preference.  Some prefer their coffee strong and bold.  Others like their coffee more balanced.  No matter your preference, here are some tips for brewing your perfect coffee:

 

How to Make Your Coffee Stronger/Bolder

  • Adjust the Coffee-to-Water Ratio: Use more coffee grounds for the same amount of water. A common starting point is 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water. You can increase the amount of coffee to make it stronger. If using a grind-and-brew coffee maker, try increasing the grind time to add up to 10 g of additional coffee to adjust the coffee-to-water ratio.
  • Grind Size: Use a finer grind. Finer coffee grounds have more surface area, which allows for more extraction and a stronger flavor. However, be careful not to grind too fine, as this can lead to over-extraction and bitterness.
  • Grind Time:  Adjusting the grind time affects the amount of grounds added to the brew basket, and therefore, the coffee's strength. A longer grind time typically results in more grounds, leading to a stronger brew. 
  • Water Temperature: Ensure your water is at the optimal temperature, which is between 195°F and 205°F (90°C to 96°C). Water that is too cool won't extract enough flavor, while water that is too hot can over-extract and create bitterness.
  • Freshness: Use freshly roasted and freshly ground coffee beans. Coffee loses its flavor over time, so fresher beans will provide a bolder taste.
  • Dark Roast: Choose a darker roast. Darker roasts tend to have a bolder, more robust flavor compared to lighter roasts.
 

How to Make Your Coffee More Balanced/Less Strong

  • Adjust the Coffee-to-Water Ratio: Use fewer coffee grounds for the same amount of water. A common starting point is 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water. You can decrease the amount of coffee to reduce the brew strength. If using a grind and brew coffee maker, try decreasing the grind time by 1-2 seconds to reduce the total coffee amount brewed by 2.5-5 g to adjust the coffee-to-water ratio.
  • Grind Time:  A shorter time yields less grounds resulting in a weaker coffee.  Keep in mind that lighter roast beans take longer to grind, so you may want to adjust grind time to increase the amount of grounds being used when brewing a lighter roast.
  • Dilute with Hot Water: The simplest method is to add hot water to your coffee. This will reduce the concentration of the coffee and make it less strong.
  • Add Milk or Cream: Adding milk, cream, or a milk alternative can help mellow out the strong flavor. The fat content in milk or cream can also add a smoother texture and reduce bitterness.
  • Use a Coarser Grind: If you're using a grind and brew coffee maker or grinding your own beans, try using a coarser grind. Coarser grounds extract more slowly, which can result in a milder flavor.
  • Ice It: If you enjoy iced coffee, pouring your strong coffee over ice can dilute it as the ice melts, making it less intense.
  • Use a Lighter Roast: Lighter roast beans generally produce a milder flavor compared to darker roasts. Switching to a lighter roast can help if you consistently find your coffee too strong.
 

SCA Gold Coffee Strength

On your brewer, you may have the SCA "Gold" brew strength option.  This option ensures the highest quality brew output as defined by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).  SCA Gold coffee refers to coffee that meets the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) cupping standards for a "Gold" score. The SCA is a global organization that sets standards for specialty coffee. The SCA has established a set of guidelines and best practices aimed at achieving the highest quality in coffee brewing. These guidelines are often referred to as the "Golden Cup Standard."

  • The SCA "Gold" brew strength setting is programmed to brew at exactly 200°F (93°C) and produce a balanced, medium-strength flavor profile.
  • Coffee is assessed on various factors, including aroma, flavor, body, acidity, balance, and overall impression.  According to the SCA, the ideal coffee strength is between 1.15% and 1.35% Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), with an extraction yield of 18-22%.
  • Whether SCA Gold coffee strength is "better" than other strengths depends on personal preference. The SCA Gold standard is designed to produce a balanced and well-extracted cup of coffee that highlights the coffee's inherent flavors. Some people might prefer this balanced approach, while others might enjoy a stronger or lighter brew.  What does SCA Gold coffee mean for you?
    • High Quality: It signifies that the coffee has been carefully brewed to achieve a high level of quality and flavor.
    • Consistent Flavor:  "SCA Gold" cup coffee is typically more consistent in flavor, aroma, and overall quality.
    • Premium Flavor Experience: You can expect a more complex and nuanced flavor experience compared to regular brewed coffee.
 

Additional Support

Please reach out to us for any additional assistance with your coffee needs.  We are here to guide you along the way to getting your coffee the way you like it.