Brewing Perfect Coffee

Brewing perfect coffee is somewhat of a subjective goal. With anything involving taste, individual preferences come strongly into play.

With that in mind, we present our method for brewing coffee that we consider "perfection"! It's coffee that we look forward to with great anticipation each morning... especially when we're at our country lodge. There, on the deck, overlooking the valley shrouded in mist, fresh roasted and a freshly brewed cup of coffee is pretty close to bliss!

I know people are as passionate about their coffee as we are... many more so. There are a lot of opinions about how to brew that perfect cup.

We hope you'll take the time to share your ideas and tips. After all, I'm the first to admit that the method presented here is but one of many! And I'm always willing to try others! So join the discussion here and let everyone know your coffee brewing secrets!

This short video shows the making of French press coffee. Enjoy!

Steps for Excellent French Press Coffee

1. Start with fresh coffee beans. I highly recommend you roast your own using organic, shade grown, fair trade/relationship coffee beans! You will learn to appreciate the subtle differences in coffees from around the world!
2. Put cold water, preferably filtered, into the kettle.
3. Heat the water until it almost boils. Water should be about 200°F or 93°C. Boiling water actually destroys some of the flavor producing coffee oils. So remove the kettle just before it starts to boil. If it boils, remove from heat and let is sit for a couple of minutes to cool down. This is important!!!
4. While waiting for your water to heat, measure your beans. This is another area where personal taste comes into play so this is a guideline only. About 1/2 cup of beans is right for the 34 oz. Bodum press (what they call an 8 cup maker). Experiment to see what strength you like.
5. Grind the beans. A coarse grind is ideal for the French press. At the lodge we have a blade grinder, in the city we have a burr grinder. Here again you can experiment to see what grind works best for your particular tastes.
6. Pour the water over the ground beans and fill to the metal band at the top.
7. Wait two minutes, then stir. I suggest a wooden spoon to prevent the risk of cracking the glass with a metal utensil.
8. After stirring, wait another two minutes, then gently plunge the filter screen to the bottom.
9. Pour and enjoy!

If you're new to using a French press, a bit of experimenting will have you brewing perfect coffee in no time at all.

You'll notice that when using this method there is some coffee residue at the bottom of your cup. You'll likely want to leave that last bit of coffee in your cup so you don't drink those fine coffee grounds.

Here are a variety of French presses available to order

Select any one of these fine French presses and you'll be brewing perfect coffee to enjoy any time of the day or night!

Bodum 8-c. Chambord Coffee Press Serves 4 small cups... Polished stainless steel lid, knob and handle remain cool.	Bodum 12-c. Chambord Coffee Press This is the size we use for our breakfast coffee for 2 or 3 people.
Bodum 12-oz. Columbia Thermal Coffee Press, Stainless Steel A spectacularly designed piece and I love the fact that the insulated construction keeps your beverage hot!	Bodum 50-oz. Columbia Thermal Coffee Press, Stainless Steel This insulated Bodum pot holds 12 cups... perfect for coffee fanatics and for entertaining!
Bonjour 12-oz. Hugo Unbreakable French Press This is the French press we take traveling with us! Camping and in the motorhome... don't let your travel plans exclude enjoying great coffee! This unbreakable French press comes in 12 oz. and 32 oz. sizes.	Bonjour 8-c. French Press, Copper From BonJour, this French press has particular appeal given its copper finish... very "rustic" looking!
Bonjour 8-c. Double Wall French Press Double walls keep your beverage hot in this stylish and attractive French press from Bonjour.	Bonjour 8-c. Contemporary Double Wall French Press Another style of stainless steel insulated French press.

Espresso Anyone?

If you're partial to espresso, here are some options for your consideration.

Bialetti 9-c. Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker The original Stovetop Espresso Maker! Just read the reviews. Also available in 3 and 6 cup sizes	Bialetti 6-c. Easy Cafe Stovetop Espresso Maker All you need is an outlet to enjoy fresh brewed espresso! Automatic shut-off, retractable cord.
DeLonghi 4-c. Espresso/Cappuccino Maker, Black One of the simplest, yet effective Espresso/Cappuccino makers on the market.	Gaggia 42-oz. Espresso Espresso Pure Machine, Black This versatile machine will have you brewing perfect espresso and specialty coffees in no time. I've been partial to my Gaggia for a long time!