Chemex Brewing

The Chemex is a beautifully designed, manual pour-over coffee maker that produces a clean, bright, and flavorful cup of coffee. Its unique hourglass shape and proprietary filter make it a favorite among specialty coffee enthusiasts and professional baristas alike. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of brewing a delicious and aromatic cup of our Ethiopian East Harrar Abidir using a Chemex.

Materials

• Chemex
• Chemex filters
• Scale
• Timer
• Water kettle or other heating source
• Mug or carafe
• Ethiopian East Harrar Abidir Coffee

Instructions

1. Heat 600 grams (600 mL) of water to approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius).

2. Fold the Chemex filter such that one side has three layers and the other has only one. Place the filter in the Chemex with the three-layered side aligned with the spout.

3. (Optional but recommended) Pour a small amount of hot water around the filter to rinse away any paper taste, then discard the rinse water.

4. Measure and grind 42 grams of Ethiopian East Harrar Abidir coffee to a coarser-than-medium grind size, similar to kosher salt.

5. Add the ground coffee to the filter, leveling the bed by gently shaking the Chemex.

6. Start your timer and pour 60 grams of water over the coffee grounds in a smooth, circular motion, ensuring all the grounds are saturated. Let it bloom for 25 to 30 seconds.

7. Continue to pour the remaining 540 grams of water in a slow, steady circular motion, starting from the center and spiraling outward. Pause periodically to allow the water to pass through the grounds. The total pour time should take about 3 to 4 minutes.

8. Once all water has been added, allow the coffee to finish dripping through the grounds. The total brewing process should take about 4 to 5 minutes.

9. Carefully remove the filter and dispose of the coffee grounds.

10. Give the brewed coffee in the Chemex a gentle swirl to mix and aerate, then pour it into your mug or carafe. Enjoy your freshly brewed cup of Ethiopian East Harrar Abidir coffee.

Experiment and Enjoy

The above instructions serve as a great starting point. Feel free to experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios, temperatures, and brewing times to create your own perfect cup. Mastering the Chemex can take a few tries, so don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t perfect.

For a truly immersive experience, consider our Tour of Africa, which contains two, 12 oz. bags of our small batch specialty coffee.

We hope you enjoyed this guide! We would love to see your brewing experience and hear about your results. Share your photos and thoughts on Instagram and tag us @mauchchunkcoffee.