Brew Guides

Master your brew

Every coffee has its own rhythm. From pour overs to French press, our brew guides help you dial in the perfect recipe and bring out every note in your cup.

Explore our step-by-step guides, recommended recipes, and expert tips to get the best out of every bag of Sound Coffee.

 

Aeropress

Flavor Profile

Smooth, sweet, and balanced with low bitterness. AeroPress is incredibly forgiving and perfect for brewing at home or while traveling.

You'll Need

  • AeroPress
  • Paper filter
  • Grinder
  • Scale
  • Kettle
  • Timer

Recommended Recipe

  • Coffee: 18g
  • Water: 250g
  • Ratio: 1:14
  • Grind: Medium-Fine
  • Water Temp: 90–94°C
  • Brew Time: 2 minutes

Step-by-Step

  1. Insert and rinse the paper filter.
  2. Add 18g of ground coffee.
  3. Pour 250g of water.
  4. Stir gently for 10 seconds.
  5. Steep for 1 minute.
  6. Slowly press for about 30 seconds.
  7. Serve immediately.

 

Chemex

Flavor Profile

Chemex produces an exceptionally clean, crisp cup thanks to its thick paper filter. It emphasizes floral aromas, fruit notes, and delicate sweetness.

Recommended Recipe

  • Coffee: 40g
  • Water: 640g
  • Ratio: 1:16
  • Grind: Medium-Coarse
  • Water Temp: 92–96°C
  • Brew Time: 4–5 minutes

Brewing Steps

  1. Fold and rinse the Chemex filter.
  2. Add coffee and level the grounds.
  3. Bloom with 80g of water for 45 seconds.
  4. Continue pouring slowly in circles until reaching 640g.
  5. Let the coffee finish dripping before serving.


Cold Brew

Flavor Profile

Cold Brew is naturally smooth, low in acidity, and slightly sweet. It's perfect over ice or mixed with milk and can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.

Recommended Recipe

  • Coffee: 100g
  • Water: 800g
  • Ratio: 1:8
  • Grind: Coarse
  • Brew Time: 12–16 hours

Brewing Steps

  1. Grind coffee coarse.
  2. Combine coffee and cold, filtered water in a large jar.
  3. Stir thoroughly until all grounds are wet.
  4. Cover and steep for 12–16 hours.
  5. Strain through a paper filter or fine mesh filter.
  6. Serve over ice or dilute to taste with water or milk.

 

Espresso

Flavor Profile

Espresso delivers a concentrated shot with rich sweetness, syrupy body, and balanced acidity. It also serves as the foundation for milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.

Recommended Recipe

  • Dose: 18g
  • Yield: 36g
  • Ratio: 1:2
  • Grind: Fine
  • Brew Time: 25–30 sec

Brewing Steps

  1. Grind fresh coffee.
  2. Evenly distribute grounds in the portafilter.
  3. Tamp firmly with consistent pressure.
  4. Lock into the machine.
  5. Start extraction immediately.
  6. Aim for a 36g yield in about 25–30 seconds.

Adjustments

  • Fast shot → Grind finer.
  • Slow shot → Grind coarser.
  • Sour → Longer extraction.
  • Bitter → Shorter extraction.

 

French Press

Flavor Profile

French Press produces a rich, full-bodied cup with more oils and texture than filtered brewing methods. Expect a heavier mouthfeel and bold sweetness.

You'll Need

  • French Press
  • Burr grinder
  • Scale
  • Kettle
  • Spoon
  • Timer

Recommended Recipe

  • Coffee: 30g
  • Water: 500g
  • Ratio: 1:16.7
  • Grind: Coarse
  • Water Temp: 94°C
  • Brew Time: 4 minutes

Step-by-Step

  1. Grind coffee coarse, about the size of sea salt.
  2. Add 30g of coffee into the French Press.
  3. Start your timer and pour all 500g of hot water.
  4. Stir gently to ensure every ground is saturated.
  5. Place the lid on with the plunger raised.
  6. Allow the coffee to steep for 4 minutes.
  7. Slowly press the plunger with steady pressure.
  8. Serve immediately to prevent over-extraction.

Tips

  • Never leave brewed coffee sitting in the French Press.
  • If sediment bothers you, pour through a paper filter after brewing.

 

Pour Over

Clean, Bright & Full of Flavor

Pour over brewing gives you complete control over every cup, allowing the unique flavors and aromas of your coffee to shine. By pouring hot water slowly and evenly over freshly ground coffee, you'll produce a clean, balanced cup with excellent clarity and sweetness.

Whether you're new to manual brewing or refining your technique, this recipe is a great place to start.

What You'll Need

  • Pour over dripper
  • Paper filter
  • Gooseneck kettle
  • Freshly roasted coffee
  • Burr grinder
  • Digital scale
  • Timer
  • Mug or server

Recommended Recipe

  • Coffee: 20g
  • Water: 320g
  • Ratio: 1:16
  • Grind: Medium
  • Water Temperature: 92–96°C (198–205°F)
  • Brew Time: 2:45–3:30

Step-by-Step

1. Heat Your Water

Heat filtered water to 92–96°C (198–205°F). Water that's too hot can over-extract the coffee, while cooler water may result in a weak or sour cup.

2. Prepare Your Brewer

Place a paper filter in your pour over dripper and rinse it thoroughly with hot water. This removes any paper taste while preheating the dripper and your mug or server. Discard the rinse water before brewing.

3. Grind Your Coffee

Grind 20g of coffee to a medium consistency, similar to table salt. Freshly grinding your beans just before brewing will produce the best flavor.

4. Add the Coffee

Transfer the ground coffee to the filter and gently shake the dripper to create an even, level coffee bed. Place everything on your scale and tare it to zero.

5. Bloom

Start your timer and slowly pour 40g of hot water over the coffee, making sure all the grounds are evenly saturated. Let the coffee bloom for 30–45 seconds. During this stage, trapped carbon dioxide escapes, helping create a more even extraction.

6. Continue Pouring

Slowly pour the remaining water in steady, circular motions, keeping the water level consistent without flooding the brewer. Avoid pouring directly onto the paper filter.

Continue until you've reached 320g of total water.

7. Finish the Brew

Allow the remaining water to pass through the coffee naturally. The total brew time should be around 2:45–3:30 minutes.

Once the dripping slows to an occasional drip, remove the dripper and enjoy your coffee.