Unleashing Flavor: Feral Brewing Methods

At Feral Coffee Roasters, we believe that coffee should be as wild and untamed as the farmers who cultivate it. Each coffee we roast is a celebration of the dedication and passion of the farmers from coffee-growing regions, and the brewing process plays a vital role in bringing out the unique flavors in every cup. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or a novice, understanding different brewing methods can help you unlock the full potential of our carefully roasted beans. Let’s dive into some popular brewing techniques, their methods, and the flavors they bring to your cup.

Autodrip (Drip Coffee Maker)

Technique: Autodrip is one of the most common and convenient methods. Ground coffee is placed in a filter, and hot water is poured over it in a steady stream. The water then drips through the grounds, extracting flavor before dripping into a carafe.

• Grind Size: Medium grind (similar to granulated sugar)
• Extraction: 4-6 minutes
• Benefits: Autodrip brewing is easy and efficient, making it great for busy mornings. It’s ideal for brewing multiple cups at once, with consistent results. The method highlights smooth, clean flavors and is perfect for those who enjoy a classic, no-fuss cup of coffee.
• Recommended Machine: Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select

Hario V60 Pourover

Technique: The Hario V60 uses a manual pour-over method that involves carefully pouring hot water over the coffee grounds in a circular motion, ensuring even extraction. The V60’s unique design allows water to flow through the coffee at a controlled pace, resulting in a rich and nuanced cup.

• Grind Size: Medium-fine (slightly coarser than table salt)
• Extraction: Approximately 3 minutes
• Benefits: The V60 gives you full control over the brewing process, allowing you to experiment with water temperature, pour speed, and ratio. This results in a bright, clean, and flavorful cup that emphasizes the subtle notes of our wild and untamed beans. Perfect for those who want a more hands-on, artisanal coffee experience. The key here, is the Bloom, allowing gases to escape to ensure proper extraction.

Aeropress

Technique: The Aeropress is a compact, portable brewer that uses pressure to extract coffee. Hot water is mixed with the coffee grounds in a chamber, and then the liquid is forced through a filter by pressing down on a plunger.

• Grind Size: Medium-fine (slightly finer than table salt)
• Extraction: 1-2 minutes
• Benefits: Aeropress brewing is quick, versatile, and can create a wide range of flavors depending on the brewing technique. By varying steep time and pressure, you can create a cup that’s strong, bold, or even more delicate. It’s perfect for those looking for a fast yet full-bodied cup with a quick cleanup, especially when using our specially roasted coffees.

French Press

Technique: French Press brewing involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in hot water for several minutes before pressing down a plunger to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee.

• Grind Size: Coarse (similar to sea salt)
• Extraction: 5-7 minutes
• Benefits: The French Press is known for producing a rich, full-bodied cup with a slightly oily texture. Since the coffee grounds are in direct contact with the water, it extracts more oils and flavors, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bold and robust cup. It’s especially great for our wild, carefully roasted beans, which have complex flavor profiles that shine through.
• Recommended: National Parks Brass French Press

Cold Brew

Technique: Cold Brew is a method where coarsely ground coffee is steeped in cold water for an extended period (usually 12-24 hours). After steeping, the coffee is filtered and served cold, often over ice or with milk.

• Grind Size: Coarse (similar to sea salt)
• Extraction: 12-24 hours
• Benefits: Cold Brew is smoother and less acidic than traditional hot-brewed coffee, making it a great option for those who prefer a mellow, refreshing cup. It also tends to have a naturally sweeter taste, which highlights the flavors of our wild coffee without the bitterness that can sometimes accompany other methods. Ideal for hot summer days or for making coffee-based drinks like iced lattes or coffee martinis.
• Recommended Brewer: Hario "Mizudashi"

Espresso

Technique: Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. This method produces a small, concentrated shot of coffee that’s rich, bold, and full of crema (the golden foam that forms on top).

• Grind Size: Fine-Extra Fine (depending on machine)
• Extraction: 25-30 seconds
• Benefits: Espresso is the foundation for many coffee drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos. It’s perfect for those who crave a powerful, intense coffee experience with complex flavor layers. The short extraction time concentrates the flavors of our coffee beans, allowing the nuances to shine in a small, potent cup.
• Recommended Machine: Breville Bambino

Conclusion

Each brewing method offers a unique way to experience coffee, and the right method can unlock the full potential of our wild, untamed coffees. Whether you prefer the hands-on control of a Hario V60, the simplicity of an Autodrip, or the bold intensity of an Espresso, there’s a method for every coffee lover. Experimenting with grind size, extraction time, and technique will allow you to discover the full spectrum of flavors in our meticulously roasted beans.

At Feral Coffee Roasters, we believe in the power of coffee to connect us to the land and the farmers who cultivate it. The right brewing method not only enhances the flavor but also honors the craft behind every bean. So, go ahead—choose your method and savor the wild journey that each cup offers.