BREW GUIDES
Great coffee is the result of care and precision in its growing, processing, roasting, and finally, brewing.
Our brew guides are designed to help you prepare your coffee with clarity and intention, so the best version of each coffee can be enjoyed by you.
Begin with these guides as a foundation, and refine them to your own preferences.
POUR OVER
A percolation-style brew method known for precision, clarity, and a delicate cup profile.
BATCH BREW
A convenient brewing method designed for larger volumes while maintaining consistency and balance.
ESPRESSO
A concentrated coffee brewed under pressure, delivering intensity, body, and depth.
STOVETOP
A classic stovetop brew that produces a concentrated, full-bodied coffee with rich texture.
PLUNGER
A simple, quick, and versatile immersion brewing method that produces a full-bodied, balanced cup.
AEROPRESS
A versatile hybrid brew method producing a cup with a well rounded body, clarity, and depth.
Coffee Brewing Support
Coffee Equipment Maintenance Tips
Building a good habit of always cleaning your equipment before and after use every time ensures coffee will always taste its best.
For espresso machines, always keep your portafilter clean and dry. Take out the basket to clean both sides, as well as inside the portafilter, where residues build up the most. Make a habit of regularly back-flushing the machine with a coffee cleaning chemical, and also remove the shower-screen and clean the group head.
How can I make my coffee stronger or weaker?
Coffee strength is related to the brewing ratio.
If your coffee is too strong and intense, try to make the ratio longer by adding more water, or decreasing your coffee dose. If your coffee is too weak and watery, make the ratio shorter by adding less water, or increasing your coffee dose.
Keep in mind this will also affect the extraction and flavour of your coffee. Adjust the grind size in tandem with the ratio to find a good balance of flavour and strength. As a general rule, grind finer if your coffee is tasting too acidic, and grind coarser if your coffee is tasting too bitter.
How can I make my coffee brew more quickly or slowly?
If your brew time is quite different from the target brew time, try adjusting the grind size of your coffee grounds.
Grind size affects how long it takes for water to run through the coffee. A coarser grind allows water to run through more quickly, while a finer grind allows water to run through more slowly.
My coffee tastes very different from when I tried it in-store
There are many factors that affect the flavour of coffee, some of them are variables we can control when we brew the coffee, but many others may lie out of our control.
The same coffee, brewed with the same recipe, can taste very different depending on factors such as its age, the grinder used, the machine or brewer used, and even the water used to brew it.
We provide recipes as a general guide on how we approach coffee brewing, but it can be adjusted to suit your brewing setup at home, and your own preferences.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you need some assistance on brewing BENCH COFFEE CO. beans at home, we would love to help you.
Coffee FAQ
What is the difference between filter and espresso coffee?
It’s all about the roast.
- Espresso roasts are a little darker bringing out body and sweetness with lower acidity. They shine in an espresso machine or stovetop, producing a bold cup that’s delicious black or with milk.
- Filter roasts are lighter, highlighting acidity, sweetness, and delicate flavours. They’re perfect for V60, Aeropress, syphon, or batch brew.
Because BENCH COFFEE CO. favours lighter roasting, espresso beans can work beautifully as filter coffee, but filter beans aren’t recommended for espresso.
What does the origin of coffee mean?
Origin simply means where the coffee was grown.
- A single origin comes from one country and often carries distinct flavour notes from
that region. - A blend combines beans from different places, balancing flavour and body. Think of it like pairing the bright sweetness of Ethiopia with the rich depth of Colombia.
What does the variety of coffee mean?
Variety is the type of coffee cherry the bean comes from. Just like apples or grapes, different varieties offer different flavours, textures, and aromas. Ethiopia alone, for example, has thousands of unique varieties!
How long should coffee rest before brewing?
We recommend giving them a little rest, around 2–3 weeks after roasting, for the flavours to really settle. But don’t worry, they’ll still taste great outside this window.
Do you grind coffee?
Yes, we can grind beans to suit any brew method.
How should coffee be stored?
- Whole beans: Store them in an airtight container on your bench. When you’re happy with the flavour development, you can pop them in the fridge to pause the ageing process.
- Ground coffee: Best kept in the freezer in an airtight container.
What do the flavour notes mean on the bag?
They’re tasting cues. During cupping, our roasting team notes down the flavours that stand out– like citrus, chocolate, or honey, so you know what to expect in the cup.
Why does the coffee offering change?
Coffee is seasonal, just like fruit. It’s harvested at different times of the year around the world. As fresh lots arrive, our menu changes to reflect the best of the season. We also buy in small lots so we can showcase a wide range of farms and producers.