Welcome to the elegant world of Chemex brewing – where simplicity meets sophistication in coffee making. Today, we’re going to guide you through the journey of brewing the perfect cup of coffee using a Chemex, an iconic piece celebrated for its timeless design and exceptional brewing capabilities.
What is a Chemex?
First, let's appreciate the Chemex itself. Invented in 1941 by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm, the Chemex is renowned for its unique blend of design and functionality. Its hourglass shape and polished wood collar make it a centerpiece in any kitchen. But it’s not just about looks; the Chemex is designed to brew coffee that is smooth, rich, and free of bitterness or sediment.
Why Choose a Chemex?
The Chemex stands out for its ability to produce a cleaner, more flavorful cup of coffee. Its special bonded paper filters are 20-30% heavier than standard filters, which helps regulate the extraction process and filters out unwanted fats and oils.
Your Brewing Guide
Ingredients and Tools:
- Cloak & Dagger Coffee beans
- Chemex
- Chemex bonded filters
- Kettle (preferably a gooseneck kettle)
- Grinder
- Scale
- Stirrer
- Timer
Steps to Brew:
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Heat the Water: Start by heating your water to about 200°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, just let the water boil and then rest for about 30 seconds.
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Measure and Grind Coffee: While the water is heating, measure out 42 grams of Cloak & Dagger Coffee beans (for a standard 6-cup Chemex) and grind them to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to sea salt.
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Prepare Your Chemex: Place the Chemex filter in the top, with the triple-folded side facing the spout. Pour hot water around the inside of the filter to rinse it, which also warms up your Chemex. Discard the rinse water.
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Brew: Add your ground Cloak & Dagger Coffee to the filter and gently shake to level the grounds. Start the timer and pour enough water to saturate all the grounds (about 150 grams of water). This is the “bloom” – let it sit for 30 seconds to allow the coffee to degas.
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Continue Pouring: After the bloom, continue pouring water in a slow, circular motion. Keep the water level well below the rim, adding water every 10-15 seconds until you reach 700 grams. The total brew time should be around 4 minutes.
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Enjoy: Once your brew is complete, remove the filter and grounds. Give the Chemex a gentle swirl to mix the coffee before serving.
Tips for a Perfect Brew
- Use fresh, high-quality Cloak & Dagger Coffee beans for the best flavor.
- Ensure your grind size is consistent.
- Be patient and precise with your pour – this affects the extraction and taste.
- Experiment with different coffee to water ratios to find your preferred strength with Cloak & Dagger Coffee.
Final Thoughts
Brewing with a Chemex is more than just making coffee; it’s an experience that combines art and science. It's a method that encourages mindfulness and appreciation for the craft of coffee brewing. So take your time, enjoy the process, and savor the delicious result of your Cloak & Dagger Coffee brew.