Coffee Brewing Tips by Elysia Tan | 2nd Runner Up World Brewers Cup 2022

Introduction

This tutorial provides essential tips for brewing coffee, based on insights from Elysia Tan, a renowned coffee expert and 2nd Runner Up at the World Brewers Cup 2022. Using the Hario Switch dripper and the Coffeesecret Smart Coffee Scale, Elysia shares practical techniques to enhance your coffee brewing experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced brewer, these tips will elevate your coffee-making skills.

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

• Gather your brewing equipment:
  • Hario Switch dripper
  • Coffeesecret Smart Coffee Scale
  • Fresh coffee beans
  • Grinder
  • Filter paper
  • Kettle
• Ensure everything is clean to avoid unwanted flavors in your coffee.

Step 2: Fold and Rinse the Filter Paper

• Take the filter paper and fold it to fit snugly into the dripper.
• Rinse the filter paper with hot water:
  • This removes any paper taste.
  • Preheats the dripper for better extraction.
• Discard the rinse water before adding your coffee grounds.

Step 3: Measure Your Coffee

• Use the Coffeesecret Smart Coffee Scale to weigh your coffee:
  • A general guideline is to use 1 gram of coffee for every 15-18 grams of water.
  • Adjust based on personal taste preferences.
• Grind the coffee beans to the appropriate size:
  • For pour-over, a medium grind is typically best.

Step 4: Adjust Grind Size Based on Coffee Processing Method

• Understand the coffee processing method (washed, natural, etc.) as it affects flavor:
  • Natural processed beans may require a coarser grind.
  • Washed beans usually benefit from a medium grind.
• Experiment with grind sizes to find the optimal flavor profile for your beans.

Step 5: Brew Your Coffee

• Add the ground coffee to the filter in the dripper.
• Start the brewing process:
  • Use a kettle to pour hot water evenly over the grounds.
  • Begin with a bloom pour (roughly twice the weight of coffee) to release CO2.
• Continue pouring water in a controlled manner until you reach your desired weight.

Step 6: Observe Brew Time and Extraction

• Keep an eye on the brewing time:
  • Aim for a total brew time of around 2-4 minutes.
• Adjust your technique based on taste:
  • If your coffee is too bitter, consider a coarser grind or shorter brew time.
  • For sourness, try a finer grind or longer brew time.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can refine your coffee brewing skills and enjoy a more flavorful cup. Remember to experiment with different variables such as grind size, brew time, and coffee-to-water ratios based on your taste preferences. Happy brewing!