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Precision pour-over brewing with a Kalita Wave dripper

BREWING GUIDE

Master Your Brew.

Coffee is 98% water and 2% technique. The right method unlocks every flavour note our roasters intended.

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The Fundamentals

Specialty coffee rewards precision. Small adjustments to grind size, water temperature, and brew time can transform your cup from good to extraordinary. Below are four methods we recommend for Jaguar and Black Panther, each optimised to highlight their unique flavour profiles.

Pour-over brewing using a Kalita Wave dripper

METHOD 01

Pour-Over

The clearest expression of a coffee's character. Pour-over brewing gives you total control over extraction, revealing delicate florals, bright acidity, and nuanced sweetness.

  • 1 Grind medium-fine (sea salt texture). Use 15g coffee to 225ml water.
  • 2 Heat water to 92–96°C. Rinse your paper filter.
  • 3 Bloom with 30ml water for 30 seconds. Watch the grounds swell.
  • 4 Pour slowly in concentric circles. Total brew time: 3–4 minutes.
Best for: Jaguar — the clean, balanced extraction highlights its citrus brightness and floral honey sweetness.
Specialty coffee beans ready for espresso grinding

METHOD 02

Espresso

Concentrated intensity. Espresso extracts under pressure, producing a rich body, syrupy mouthfeel, and bold flavour with a crema that tells you everything about the roast.

  • 1 Grind fine (powdered sugar texture). Dose 18g into your portafilter.
  • 2 Tamp level with firm, even pressure. Target 9 bars.
  • 3 Extract at 93°C. Aim for a 1:2 ratio — 18g in, 36g out.
  • 4 Total shot time: 25–30 seconds. Adjust grind if faster or slower.
Best for: Black Panther — the pressure extraction amplifies its tropical fruit intensity and full body.
Specialty coffee beans — versatile for AeroPress brewing

METHOD 03

AeroPress

The traveller's secret weapon. AeroPress combines immersion and pressure for a remarkably clean cup with surprising depth. The inverted method gives you more control over steep time.

  • 1 Grind medium (table salt texture). Use 15g coffee.
  • 2 Invert the AeroPress. Add coffee, then 200ml water at 85–90°C.
  • 3 Stir gently. Steep for 1 minute 30 seconds.
  • 4 Flip, press slowly for 30 seconds. Total time: 2 minutes.
Versatile: works beautifully with both Jaguar (lower temp for delicate notes) and Black Panther (higher temp for body).
SHOT Belfast specialty coffee — full-body French press brewing

METHOD 04

French Press

Full immersion, full body. The metal mesh filter lets oils through, creating a rich, textured cup that showcases a coffee's weight and depth. Simple equipment, rewarding results.

  • 1 Grind coarse (raw sugar texture). Use 30g coffee to 500ml water.
  • 2 Add all water at 95°C. Start your timer.
  • 3 Wait 4 minutes. Break the crust with a spoon, skim foam.
  • 4 Press slowly and pour immediately. Don't let it sit.
Best for: Black Panther — the full immersion method brings out its chocolatey depth and wild berry richness.

ESSENTIALS

Water Quality

Use filtered water with a mineral content of 75–150 ppm. Hard water dulls acidity; soft water makes coffee taste flat. The right balance lets every origin character shine.

Freshness

Grind within 15 minutes of brewing. Whole beans stay fresh for 2–4 weeks after roast. Store in an airtight container away from light and heat.

Grind Consistency

A burr grinder produces uniform particles for even extraction. Blade grinders create fines and boulders — uneven extraction means bitter and sour notes in the same cup.

Now, taste what you’ve learned.

Put your technique to the test with our SCA 90+ specialty coffees. Or continue learning with the Tasting Guide.

Explore Our CoffeeTasting Guide
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