There’s more to the art of coffee than flower designs drawn in latte foam. From roasting the beans to brewing the beverage, the finer details of coffee craftsmanship are being appreciated now more than ever.
With craft coffee culture on the rise, people have become increasingly curious about the secret to creating the perfect cup of joe. Whether it be for commercial gain or personal enjoyment, the key to the perfect cup of coffee has become highly sought after.
Looking to unlock caffeinated nirvana? Read on to discover more about what craft coffee is, how you can brew your own, and the steps to creating your own craft coffee brand.
Defining Craft Coffee
As the name suggests, craft coffee revolves around the craftsmanship behind each cup. The word “craft” itself refers to something skillful that’s done with your hands. This means that a craft is any art or trade that involves specific manual skills. In the case of craft coffee, those skills mainly revolve around how the coffee is prepared, but they can also extend to how the coffee beans are grown. To be considered craft coffee, the process of making the coffee must have included precise manual efforts that demonstrate professional skill. Here are the fundamentals of the craft coffee process:- The beans
- The roasting process
- The measuring method
- The brewing technique
- The presentation
contact joe’s garage coffee about craft coffee
What Is Considered Specialty Coffee?
So, what differentiates craft coffee from regular coffee? The factor that sets craft coffee apart is what goes on behind the scenes to produce the resulting beverage. Paying attention and taking special care through each step of the creative process, from bean selection to brewing, is inherent to craft coffee. Although there are many aspects to the craft coffee process, its most defining feature, as well as the easiest variable to control from your home, is how the coffee is brewed. The method by which coffee is brewed plays a key role in shaping the coffee’s boldness, flavor, and overall taste, making it a crucial component of the coffee-making process. Nowadays, we don’t have to be constrained by the limited settings of a traditional drip coffee maker. There is a wide variety of coffee-related appliances and accessories available to help you perfect the coffee-brewing process from your very own kitchen. The degree to which you’re able to craft your coffee may depend on what equipment you have, but those without the latest coffee gadgets can still partake in craft coffee culture. These are the main techniques you can use to customize your brew:- Espresso. Traditional espresso machines, handheld espresso makers, and stovetop devices can brew a concentrated form of coffee.
- AeroPress. An AeroPress allows you to control the amount of air pressure you brew with.
- French press. This classic coffee brewing device steeps coffee grinds directly into hot water before pressing them through a filter.
- Vacuum/siphon pot. Harnesses the power of gravity and vapor pressure to brew an infusion style of coffee with a vacuum/siphon pot.
- Percolator. A percolator continually cycles boiling water through coffee grounds to brew them.
- Pour-over. The pour-over brewing method involves pouring hot water over ground coffee beans and a filter.
- Cold brew. Cold brew is created by putting coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time.
How to Make Craft Coffee
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what craft coffee is, it’s time to learn how to make it. Follow these five steps to guide you down the path of caffeinated bliss:1. Start with Specialty Beans
As the basis of the beverage, coffee beans are essential to making coffee. Because the beans largely determine your coffee’s taste, it’s important to use the right beans for the unique flavors you want your coffee to have. The best craft coffees start with specialty grade coffee beans.2. Roast in Small Batches
Keeping the roasting batches small gives you more control over how the beans turn out. Instead of some beans ending up burnt or under-roasted, small batches allow you to keep a better eye on all the beans. Paying special attention throughout this process will prevent poorly roasted beans that produce sour, bitter, or burnt coffee flavors.Explore Our Roast-To-Order Service Today
3. Meticulously Measure
Be intentional about using the scale to accurately measure your ingredients. Record exactly how much you use of each element, so you can recreate the perfect brew once you achieve it. Writing down your measurements will also allow others to follow your steps and ensure consistency.4. Brew in Style
Of the many brewing techniques available, choose the style that best suits your mood for the day. If your goal is to make a cappuccino, use an espresso maker. On a busier morning, go for the quick and easy K-cup version of your custom blend.5. Repeat
Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes you some time to craft a cup you’re proud of. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with each new brew — and because you wrote down your methods and measurements, you’ll know exactly what to tweak to get different results.contact joe’s garage coffee about craft coffee