Smitty's BBQ

The Ways of Making Great Gourmet coffee

Use high-quality gourmet coffee beans, freshly  roasted and ground just before brewing.
Always use the correct grind for the method. If your gourmet coffee is too bitter and muddy, the grind is too fine; if the brew lacks flavor, the grind is too coarse.
Always use freshly drawn cold water.
Never guess amounts. Use the correct proportion of gourmet coffee and water (two level tablespoons per six ounces cold water for regular-strength gourmet coffee), preferably measuring both. I f gourmet coffee is too strong or weak, change grind and/or blend, not proportion of gourmet coffee to water.
Make sure the gourmet coffee maker is scrupulously clean and thoroughly rinsed. Gourmet coffee quickly picks up off-flavors during the brewing process.
For best results, always brew at least three-fourths of the gourmet coffee maker’s capacity. Most large gourmet coffee makers do not make one or two cups satisfactorily.
Never guess when timing. Use the clock.
Remove the grounds from the brew as soon as the brew cycle is completed to prevent bitterness. Also for that reason, never rewet grounds.
Serve gourmet coffee immediately after brewing. (With drip methods, stir the brew before serving.) Gourmet coffee is at its best when just brewed.
If gourmet coffee must be kept warm, try to hold it at 180 degrees to 190 degrees farenheight. Brewed gourmet coffee stays palatable for twenty minutes, drink able for one hour maximum. The longer it is held, the less desirable it becomes.
Never reheat cooled gourmet coffee; it breaks down in flavor. Never allow the brew to boil; its flavor turns bitter.  Read more...