The Art of Chemex Coffee Brewing

In “The Art of Chemex Coffee Brewing,” Paul from Elemental Coffee takes you step by step through the process of making coffee with a Chemex brewer. To get started, you’ll need a scale, a timer, Chemex filters, and coffee beans. Paul recommends using 52 grams of coffee to 700 grams of water, which will give you around 20 ounces of coffee, or about two mugs. First, you’ll open up a folded Chemex filter and place it in the brewer, making sure to position the layers towards the front or the spout. Then, you’ll rinse the filter with hot water, ensuring that your coffee won’t taste papery. After these initial steps, you’ll add the ground coffee, start the timer, and pour water in concentric circles to ensure all the grounds are saturated. Once the coffee blooms, you’ll continue adding water until you reach 700 grams. After a drawdown process, you can remove the filter, and voila – you have a perfect Chemex coffee ready to enjoy!

The video by Legitimate Questions Coffee Channel introduces you to the art of brewing Chemex coffee. Paul, from Elemental Coffee, guides you through the steps of making this delicious brew. With a scale, a timer, Chemex filters, and coffee beans in hand, you’ll open up a folded filter and rinse it before adding 52 grams of ground coffee. As you pour water in concentric circles, you’ll see the coffee bloom and expand. After adding the desired amount of water and waiting for the drawdown, you’ll have 20 ounces of exquisite Chemex coffee to serve. So, grab your brewing gear and get ready for a delightful cup of joe!

The Art of Chemex Coffee Brewing

Introduction

Are you a coffee lover looking to up your brewing game? Look no further than the Chemex coffee brewer. The Chemex is a beautiful and elegant method of brewing coffee that produces a clean and flavorful cup every time. In this article, we will guide you through the process of brewing coffee using the Chemex, from preparing the filter to serving the final cup. Get ready to discover the art of Chemex coffee brewing!

Equipment Needed

To begin your journey into Chemex coffee brewing, you will need a few key pieces of equipment. First and foremost, you will need a Chemex brewer itself. The Chemex is a glass carafe with a unique hourglass shape and a spout for easy pouring. Additionally, you will need Chemex filters, which are specially designed to fit the brewer. These filters help to remove any undesirable flavors from the coffee, resulting in a clean and crisp taste.

In addition to the Chemex and filters, you will also need a few other tools. A scale is essential for measuring both your coffee and water accurately. This ensures consistency and precision in your brewing process. A timer is also helpful to keep track of brewing times. You can use a separate timer or find a scale that has a built-in timer for added convenience. With these tools in hand, you are ready to embark on your Chemex coffee brewing adventure!

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Preparing the Filter

Before you can begin brewing your coffee, it is important to properly prepare the Chemex filter. Start by taking the filter, which is a circle that has been folded into quadrants, and open it up so that three layers are on one side and one layer is on the other. Place the three layers towards the front or the spout of the Chemex. This positioning helps to prevent the filter from collapsing and creating a seal when brewing.

To ensure that your coffee doesn’t taste papery and to maintain a consistent brewing temperature, it is crucial to rinse the filter. Simply pour hot water, just below boiling, through the filter. This process will remove any paper taste and also preheat the Chemex, giving you an optimal brewing environment. Once you have rinsed the filter, you are now ready to add your coffee.

Adding Coffee

The next step in the Chemex brewing process is adding the coffee. Using your scale, measure out 52 grams of coffee. It is recommended to use a medium-coarse grind size, around 16 to 19 on a box-style grinder. This grind size allows for optimal extraction and helps to prevent over-brewing.

After measuring out your coffee, start the timer and pour 100 grams of water over the grounds. Use concentric circles to ensure that all the grounds are evenly saturated. Avoid pouring directly onto the filter to prevent any papery taste. This initial pour is known as the “bloom” and allows the coffee to release carbon dioxide and expand.

Blooming

The bloom is a crucial step in the Chemex brewing process. During this phase, the coffee is being saturated, and we can witness it through the formation of bubbles and the expansion of the coffee grounds. Allow the bloom to continue for a minute and 30 seconds before moving on to the next step.

Adding Water

After the bloom, it is time to add the remaining water. The total amount of water needed for this brew is 700 grams. Since you have already added 100 grams during the bloom, you have 600 grams left to pour. Using the same concentric circles technique, pour the water to saturate all the grounds on the top.

Once the top grounds are fully saturated, move the kettle to the center of the Chemex and continue pouring using a gentle and consistent stream. This technique, called a “center pour,” ensures that the coffee is not agitated, resulting in balanced extraction and a well-brewed cup. Be mindful of the stream from the kettle reaching the water and maintain a steady flow until you reach the 700-gram mark.

The Drawdown

Once you have poured the desired amount of water, you can stop pouring and wait for the drawdown to occur. The drawdown is the process where the brewing coffee filters down into the decanter area of the Chemex. It usually takes around four and a half minutes.

As the drawdown completes, you should see a cone-shaped formation of coffee grounds on the edges of the filter. This cone is a visual indication of a well-extracted brew. After the drawdown is complete, you can proceed to the final step.

Removing the Filter

After patiently waiting for the drawdown, it is time to remove the filter. Carefully lift the filter with all the coffee grounds attached and discard it. Be cautious not to spill any coffee while removing the filter.

Serving

Congratulations! You have successfully brewed a batch of delicious Chemex coffee. The final step is to serve and enjoy the fruits of your labor. The brewed coffee in the Chemex can yield approximately 20 ounces or two mugs of coffee. Pour carefully and savor the rich flavors and smooth finish of your Chemex brew.

In conclusion, brewing coffee with a Chemex is an art form that requires attention to detail and a commitment to craftsmanship. By following these steps and utilizing the proper techniques, you can achieve a consistently excellent cup of coffee. So, gather your equipment, choose your favorite coffee beans, and let the art of Chemex coffee brewing elevate your coffee experience to new heights. Happy brewing!