STORING

To discover the best possible method of storing our beans, we have listened to expert roasters and scientists who suggest the following:

• Place your freshly roasted whole bean coffee in an airtight container. Coffee's greatest enemies are moisture and oxygen. Place it out of direct sunlight in a cool dry place.

We highly suggest buying only what you will consume over a couple of weeks.

If you do buy in large quantities, you can place your extra poundage in a Ziploc bag so that no air or moisture can enter, and place it in the freezer. You will have to let each portion thaw completely before grinding, as frozen beans will not grind evenly  resulting in a poor brew and compromised quality of taste. Never store your coffee beans in the refrigerator. Coffee beans are very susceptible to odors and the condensation that can form at refigerator temperatures. Even airtight containers will not keep condensation from forming on the beans and destroying their freshness.

BREWING

Many websites, books and articles have been written on brewing coffee. Each source varies slightly on how to reach the ultimate goal - a perfect cup! Although we emphasize that your own taste preference is what matters, there are three things to consider:

• Freshness of the roasted bean
• Freshness of the grind
• Freshness of the water

The following are guidelines to help you use the best possible methods to create an excellent cup of coffee.

• Clean Equipment! The best way to clean your equipment is with baking soda and water. If the last brew you made hasn't been cleaned out, the sediment can absorb odors and oils that will spoil your next brew.

• Excellent Water. Start with cold filtered water. Avoid softened or distilled water which leave out minerals and create "flat" characteristics in taste.

• Proper Temperature. Whether you use an electronic brewing system or a single cup pour-over, there isn't much difference in taste. The difference comes from the temperature of the water. The water needs to be 200 degrees when it comes in contact with the grounds and 190 degrees when it is in the cup. Boiling water will ruin a good cup of coffee and also distort your taste buds for a few hours. 

• Proper Grind. No matter what type of grind you choose, start with whole coffee beans from a small-batch roaster. Grind your beans just prior to brewing. If you have an electronic grinder or a manual grinder:  Drip brew= 10 seconds, French press = 8 to 10 seconds, Espresso or cone filter = 30 seconds.

• Proper formula. The proper formula always comes down to the taste you prefer. A good starting place is two tablespoons per six ounce cup, then adjust from there. We also suggest you stir your coffee once before you drink it.  

• Brewing time. Lastly, the correct grind has to go with the correct time. The ideal time for any single brew cup or drip brewer is four minutes. It is hard to reach that exactly so here is a general guideline to remember: one to four minutes for a fine grind, four to eight minutes for drip grind, six to eight minutes for a regular grind. The only exeption is an espresso shot which should run for 20 to 24 seconds.            

DRINKING      

To drink or not to drink? We say drink, but how? In order to begin the process one must acknowledge one's inner cry for that sweet nectar they call coffee...

           what?

                    And who are "they"?

"They" are you. And we believe that you should be able to enjoy your coffee any way that you like it. Whether you choose to purchase our freshly roasted beans and brew them at home, or sit in our store with a friend and engage in lively conversation, we believe that you will find your ultimate desire fulflilled: an excellent cup of coffee.