French Press Brewing

The French press is a simple, classic, and versatile coffee maker that produces a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee. It’s perfect for those who prefer a strong, robust cup of coffee, making it one of the most popular brewing methods among coffee enthusiasts worldwide. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of brewing a cup of our Nicaraguan Mancotal Apanas using a French press.

Materials

• French Press
• Scale
• Timer
• Spatula
• Mug
• Water kettle or other heating source
• Nicaraguan Mancotal Apanas Coffee

Instructions

1. Heat your water to approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Aim for a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:14 (1 gram of coffee for every 14 grams of water).
2. Grind your coffee beans to a coarse grind size, similar to sea salt.
3. Preheat your French press by filling it with hot water and allowing it to sit for about a minute. Discard the water afterward.
4. Add the ground coffee to the French press.
5. Start your timer and pour hot water over the coffee grounds, ensuring all are saturated.
6. Stir the mixture gently for about 10 to 15 seconds to ensure even extraction.
7. Place the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled up completely.
8. Allow the coffee to steep for 4 minutes.
9. After 4 minutes, press down on the plunger slowly and evenly to separate the ground coffee from the brewed coffee. If plunging is difficult, try a coarser grind next time. If plunging is too easy, try a finer grind.

Note: For the best flavor, serve the coffee immediately after brewing to avoid over-extraction.

Experiment and Enjoy

These instructions serve as a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios, temperatures, and brewing times to find your perfect cup.

For a truly immersive experience, consider our Tour of Central America, which contains three, 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.