Brewing Suggestions for Coffee at Home

"How should I brew my coffee from Llama Bean Coffee?" This is the most common question we get asked and rightfully so. There are a lot of variables that play into brewing the best cup of coffee and we wish the answer was clear-cut. Since everybody's brew method, water source and preferences are different, we do not have a definitive brew guide. However, we do have some tips that seem to help most folks. First and foremost, start with the way you always brew and adjust accordingly based on your preference in taste.

Brewing Guide FAQs

Why is it good to let my coffee rest before brewing?

At Llama Bean Coffee we pride ourselves in delivering you the freshest possible coffee we can. Brewing comes down to personal preference. For us, we enjoy our coffee after it has rested for 10 days post roast. While you certainly do not have to wait this long, we have noticed the cup's clarity increases over time. By then, the coffee has had enough time to settle and develop the coffee's true tasting notes; fruity, chocolatey, nutty, floral, etc.

Do you have espresso beans?

There is no difference between "regular" coffee and "espresso" beans. Traditional espresso would be of a darker roast profile to give the coffee that full body that pairs well with milk and sugar additives. Espresso is better served using a quality, freshly roasted bean to accomplish proper extraction. The rest is in having a fine grind size that requires more pressure to force the water through the coffee, creating a nice crema on your espresso shot. ALL of our coffees are suitable for espresso. We commonly refer people to our Llama Be Me (Medium Roast) or our Alpacalypse or Dark Peruvian beans.

What are your grind recommendations for ____ Brewing?

Grind sizes will vary depending on the grinder you have and how it is calibrated. Think of these grind sizes as a spectrum, from very fine to very coarse. The order on this spectrum is:

Espresso - more fine grind

Drip / Pour Over - Medium Grind

French Press / Cold Brew - more coarse grind

While these are purely suggestions, taste will be the ultimate indicator on grind size you are looking to achieve. Coffee that is too fine will be "over-extracted" and will leave a bitter taste or dry feel to your mouth. If the grind is too coarse you will "under-extract" the coffee meaning the water passed through too quickly and did not process out all of the flavor, leaving your drink more watery and lacking in flavor.