Creating a 'perfect' cup of coffee every time you brew is not difficult; all that it requires is adhering to a set of standards. As with every drink you serve, the ultimate judgment is your taste. Often one thinks of some coffees as 'too strong' or 'too weak' when these factors are controlled by the brewing techniques more than the roast or the bean itself. Setting up a standard brew practice will reward you with a quality, consistent cup of coffee that will ultimately keep your regulars returning for more of your delicious coffee.

1. Good water. Water with a specific mineral content, of a specific ph, and of a given purity is necessary to create the perfect cup of coffee. As city water can change from time to time, once the initial water tests have been conducted, the easiest test is to taste the water regularly. (Send us a sample of your water for testing!)
2. Good, clean equipment. Often buildup will cause an improper flow of water from the spray head. Coffee residue also likes to cling to every surface it comes in contact with. Clean the spray head at least once a week, and the shuttles/air pots daily.
3. Proper water and coffee ratios. Brewing ratios are based on a total water volume of 64oz. Total coffee weights can vary between 3.5 ounces and 4.25 ounces per batch. If your brewer is using a different volume, there is a simple calculation; 3.5-4.25 times the amount of water you are using, divided by 64. This will give you the optimum amount of coffee to use for each batch.
4. Proper operation of the brewing cycle. The total brew time should be between 3 and 8 minutes. This is both an effect of your equipment, but also greatly dependent on the grind. Grinder settings for 'drip' etc. are often inaccurate, so experiment. The water should be between 195-205 degrees. After the brew cycle has finished, check the grounds; are they uniformly wet, and is there a somewhat smooth top surface?
5. Always grind your coffee just prior to its use. Coffee will quickly loose its flavor and aroma after grinding. After brewing, hold your coffee for no longer than 30 minutes. The same flavor components that made your coffee so delicious, will quickly become bitter and acidic as they oxidize.