Coffee: What Does It Take To Make A Brilliant Brew?

There are several different factors that go towards determining whether a coffee has a great taste or not, and from espressos and cappuccinos, to lattes and cold brews, here are a few things that turn an average coffee, into a great one. But first, let’s look at what a great coffee actually consists of:

What is a brilliant brew?

With a rich and strong aroma, that can be nutty, floral or even fruity depending on the beans and roast, the best coffee types have a flavor that is perfectly balanced. With ideal levels of acidity, sweetness, and bitterness, its aftertaste will be pleasing and notable. While it is true that all coffee is bitter, you shouldn’t find this to be the overwhelming flavor when drinking a brilliant brew, and if it is the case, it could mean that the way in which it was processed or stored, wasn’t ideal. 

What makes a brilliant brew?

From the beans used, to the quality of the water, below are the factors that determine whether a coffee is merely drinkable, or whether it’s enjoyable:

• The beans

Primarily grown and harvested in Africa, Central and South America, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, single-origin beans are those that have come from just one country, or just one farm, and have not been blended with any other beans from any other country. With the climate and harvesting processes having a significant impact on the flavor profile of the beans, it’s easy to see why the country of origin has such an influence on coffee. 

Small batch roasting is when the beans are roasted in batches that are smaller to keep them fresh for longer, and when carried out properly, can further enhance the flavor and its complexity. Beans that are roasted and then stored for longer periods, will not give such a great brew. 

1. The roast

Usually described as light, medium, medium-dark, and dark, the type of roast a bean has been subjected to can influence its flavor, and acidity levels, bitterness, and strength, with each one benefitting from certain methods of brewing. A lighter roast for example, is best brewed slowly using methods for cold brewing and pour-over, for example, while darker roasts benefit from espresso machines or Moka pots; faster methods of brewing. 

• The grind

When beans are roasted, oxidation and a number of other environmental factors can accelerate the process of degradation, and unless immediately frozen or vacuum packed, there will always be a difference in the quality of coffee made from beans that were roasted a few days ago, compared to those that were roasted a few months ago. It’s worth noting that the oxidation process doesn’t stop once the beans have been ground, either, further adding to the fact that brilliant coffee comes from beans that have been freshly ground. 

The size of the grind can also influence your coffee experience, and coarser grinds are best suited to French presses and percolators, while finer grinds benefit from espresso machines and Moka pots. 

• The quality of the water

Filtered water will always give you a coffee that’s better in taste, and helps coffee machines to last longer due to a lack of mineral deposits such as limescale. Some machines have built in filters, but for those that don’t, it’s best to use filtered water instead of water that has been treated or gone through reverse osmosis. This might seem like an extravagant step, but from a latte to cold brew coffee types, the water used to make it, will almost certainly impact its taste. 

A good barista will know all of these factors, but if you plan to grind your own beans at home, it’s worth taking note of the above to make sure you always get the best brew possible.