7 Best Coffees For French Press (2023 Ultimate Guide)
Are you a French press aficionado searching for the perfect coffee beans to elevate your brewing game in 2023? Look no further. Our ultimate guide lists the seven best coffees for making exceptional French press drinks, ranging from Blue Bottle’s “Three Africas” blend to Primos Coffee Co’s medium roast.
Discover what makes these brands stand out and learn valuable tips to avoid common mistakes that can compromise your cup of joe.
What Are The 7 Best Coffees For French Press?
Discover the top 7 coffee blends and beans perfect for French press brewing, including Blue Bottle Coffee’s “Three Africas” blend and Caffe Vita’s Bistro blend.
- Blue Bottle Coffee’s “Three Africas” Blend
- Caffe Vita’s Bistro Blend
- Stone Street Colombian Supremo
- Intelligentsia Coffee Frequency Blend
- Mystik Monk Coffee Beans: Paradiso Blend
- Volcanica Costa Rica Peaberry
- Primos Coffee Co
Blue Bottle Coffee’s “Three Africas” Blend
Blue Bottle Coffee’s “Three Africas” Blend stands out as a top choice for French press enthusiasts in the 2023 ultimate guide. This exceptional blend, sourced from high-quality, USDA organic beans, unites beautifully balanced flavors from Ethiopia, Uganda, and Congo to create a truly distinctive taste that satisfies any discerning palate.
The “Three Africas” blend is thoughtfully crafted for use in French press brewing methods due to its unique combination of flavors and textures. It comes available packaged as whole beans in convenient 6-ounce bags that allow you to grind your own coffee at home for peak freshness each time you brew a cup.
Caffe Vita’s Bistro Blend
Caffe Vita’s Bistro Blend is a crowd-pleaser among coffee enthusiasts, earning its place as one of the best coffees for French press in our 2023 Ultimate Guide. This remarkable blend boasts flavors of chocolate, caramel, and toasted nuts accompanied by a creamy mouthfeel that makes it an instant favorite.
For those new to French press brewing or those who are simply searching for a reliable option to elevate their morning ritual, the rich taste and seductive aroma of the Bistro Blend make it an excellent choice.
Stone Street Colombian Supremo
Stone Street Colombian Supremo stands out as one of the best coffee beans for French press brewing, consistently topping recommendation lists in multiple articles. Sourced from the renowned Colombian Supremo region, these single-origin beans boast a rich and satisfying experience that’s perfect for your morning cup.
As a popular choice among coffee aficionados seeking quality beans for their French press brews, Stone Street Coffee takes pride in providing this exceptional blend. Their dedication to excellence ensures you’ll savor every sip of Stone Street Colombian Supremo as an integral part of our 2023 Ultimate Guide featuring the top seven best coffees for French press enthusiasts.
Intelligentsia Coffee Frequency Blend
Intelligentsia Coffee Frequency Blend is one of the top coffee options for French Press brewing method. The blend has a rich and bold flavor with notes of chocolate and brown sugar, making it perfect for those who enjoy a flavorful cup of coffee.
Customers have raved about the Intelligentsia Coffee Frequency Blend’s superb taste and quality on various platforms online. Its smooth finish ensures that you get an excellent cup of coffee every time you use this blend in your French Press.
Mystik Monk Coffee Beans: Paradiso Blend
Mystik Monk Coffee Beans’ Paradiso Blend is a must-try for coffee lovers who prefer a smooth and sweet taste in their French Press brew. This aromatic blend includes hints of milk, which add another layer of complexity to the flavor profile.
The beans originate from South America and Africa, giving them a unique balance of fruity acidity and deep chocolate notes. With the perfect grind size and brewing method, this blend can bring out the best in any French Press coffee experience.
Volcanica Costa Rica Peaberry
Volcanica Costa Rica Peaberry is a single-origin, whole bean coffee that is highly recommended for French press brewing. This premium coffee boasts an exceptional taste and strong flavor thanks to its peaberry beans.
Peaberries are a biological anomaly that occurs in only around 5% of the crop, making them rare and coveted among coffee lovers. Volcanica Coffee is known for its high-quality roasts, and this Costa Rica Peaberry blend is no exception.
Primos Coffee Co, Best Medium Roast Coffee For French Press
Primos Coffee Co stands out as one of the best medium roast coffee options for French Press enthusiasts. This high-end, sustainable, and fair-trade coffee company only uses 100% Arabica single-origin beans in their specialty coffee blends.
Their French Press Specialty Coffee is well-known for its rich taste and aroma, making it a favorite among die-hard fans of the brewing method.
What Is French Press Coffee?
French press coffee, also known as a press pot or plunger pot, is a popular brewing method that involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in hot water for several minutes.
The resulting brew is rich and full-bodied, with a flavor that’s distinct from other brewing methods.
The French press consists of a glass or stainless steel container with a plunger and mesh filter. To make coffee using the French press method, you add hot water to the container along with your desired amount of coarse coffee grounds.
One great thing about French press coffee is that it allows for customization in terms of strength and taste by adjusting factors like grind size and steeping time.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Coffee For French Press
Consider the roast type, bean origin, and grind size when choosing coffee for French press to ensure a rich and flavorful cup every time.
Roast Type
The roast type plays a crucial role in the taste and quality of your French press coffee. It’s best to use medium roast beans for the perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and body.
Dark roast beans may be too strong for some, especially if you plan on drinking it without milk or cream.
Some popular brands that offer excellent medium roast blends for French press brewing include Lavazza Super Crema Medium Espresso Roast, Death Wish Coffee Medium Roast Beans, and Peet’s Coffee Medium Roast (Whole Bean Coffee).
These options provide a delicious cup of coffee that is ideal for French press brewing while offering flavor profiles that suit different tastes.
Bean Origin
The origin of the coffee beans can greatly affect the flavor profile of your French press coffee. Coffees from Central and South America, as well as Indonesia, are generally recommended for this brewing method due to their unique taste profiles.
For example, Colombian Supremo beans from Stone Street provide a smooth and rich taste with chocolate undertones, while Costa Rican peaberry beans from Volcanica offer a bright and fruity flavor with hints of caramel.
It’s important to note that different bean varieties within these regions can also offer diverse tastes – for instance, Blue Bottle Coffee’s “Three Africas” blend combines three distinct African beans (Ethiopian Wondo Genet, Ugandan Kisusu, and Kenyan Kirinyaga) for a complex yet balanced flavor experience.
Grind Size
The size of the coffee grounds plays a significant role in determining the flavor, aroma, and strength of your French press coffee. Using the wrong grind size can result in a subpar brew that leaves you disappointed.
For French press brewing, experts recommend using medium to coarse grinds for optimal flavor extraction.
Different brewing methods require different types of grind sizes. Aeropress requires fine-grained coffee for optimum results while pour-over needs medium-fine grinds. Espresso requires an extra-fine consistency to ensure full extraction within seconds under high pressure.
Flavor Profile
The flavor profile of coffee can vary greatly depending on factors such as the roast type, bean origin, and brewing method. When it comes to French press coffee, many coffee enthusiasts prefer a smooth and balanced taste with subtle hints of dark chocolate or nuts.
For example, Stone Street Colombian Supremo offers a rich and nutty flavor that is perfect for French press brewing. Additionally, Intelligentsia Coffee Frequency Blend has notes of dark chocolate and caramel which add complexity to the flavor profile.
Tips For Brewing The Perfect Cup Of French Press Coffee
Use a water-to-coffee ratio of 1:15 to 1:17, brew between 195-205°F for around four minutes, and gently stir the coffee before pressing down the plunger for optimal French press brewing.
Correct Water-to-Coffee Ratio
To brew the perfect French press coffee, it is essential to get the water-to-coffee ratio right. The recommended ratio for a strong brew is 1:12, which means using 42 grams of coffee for every 500 grams of water.
However, this can be adjusted based on personal preference.
Getting the correct water-to-coffee ratio ensures that your coffee has enough flavor without being too strong or weak. Adding too much coffee leads to an over-extracted cup with bitter notes while adding too little will result in a weak-tasting cup.
Optimum Brewing Time And Temperature
To achieve the perfect cup of French press coffee, it’s essential to get the brewing time and temperature right. The ideal water temperature for brewing is between 195°F (91°C) and 205°F (96°C).
If your water is too hot, it can cause over-extraction, leading to a bitter cup of coffee.
As for brewing time, most experts recommend steeping for four minutes. However, this can vary depending on your personal preference and the type of coffee you’re using. Some coffees may require longer or shorter brew times to reach their full flavor potential.
Remember to give your French press a good stir before plunging down the plunger gently.
Proper Stirring And Pressing Techniques
To achieve the perfect cup of French press coffee, proper stirring and pressing techniques are crucial. It’s important to stir the grounds immediately after pouring hot water into the French press to ensure that all of the coffee is evenly saturated.
After brewing for an optimal amount of time, use slow and steady pressure when pressing down on the plunger. Pressing too quickly can cause grounds to escape into your cup, resulting in a gritty texture.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Brewing French Press Coffee
Avoid these common mistakes when brewing French press coffee: brew time that is too short or too long, using water that is too hot or cold, leaving the coffee in the French press for too long, and using an incorrect grind size.
Incorrect Brew Time
One of the most common mistakes when brewing French press coffee is incorrect brew time. This can result in an over-extracted flavor and a bitter taste. To avoid this mistake, it’s essential to follow the correct brewing time for your chosen coffee beans.
Generally, the ideal brewing time for French press coffee is four minutes.
It’s best to experiment with different brewing times until you achieve the perfect cup of coffee that suits your personal preference. Remember that leaving your coffee grounds in contact with hot water for too long will over-extract them and create bitterness in your final cup.
Using Water That Is Too Hot Or Too Cold
One of the most common mistakes when brewing French press coffee is using water that is either too hot or too cold. When the water is too hot, it can scorch the coffee grounds, resulting in a burnt and bitter taste.
To ensure your water temperature is just right for French press brewing, aim for around 200 degrees Fahrenheit – which sits just below boiling point. By having optimal temperatures for immersion brewing techniques like French press coffee, you’ll be able to bring out all of your chosen blends’ aromas and subtle flavor notes without scorching or under-extracting them.
Leaving Coffee In The French Press For Too Long
Leaving coffee in the French press for too long is a common mistake that can ruin the taste of your brew. Over-extraction occurs when coffee grounds are left in contact with hot water for too long, causing bitter and unpleasant flavors to be extracted from the beans.
One way to ensure you don’t leave your coffee in the French press for too long is by setting a timer or keeping an eye on your watch while brewing. Typically, four minutes is optimal for most types of coffees when using a French press.
Another tip is to pour your brewed coffee into another container once it has finished steeping so that it doesn’t continue extracting flavors and become overly bitter as time passes.
Using The Incorrect Grind Size
Using the incorrect grind size is one of the most common mistakes that people make when brewing coffee in a French press. If the coffee is too finely ground, it can result in over-extraction and a bitter taste.
The best grind size for French press coffee is coarse or medium-coarse. Larger particles will extract slowly over several minutes and produce a balanced cup of coffee. It’s essential to use a burr grinder when grinding your beans as blade grinders chop up the beans inconsistently resulting in smaller bits that are not fit for French press.
Conclusion
In conclusion, French press coffee is a favorite for many coffee lovers owing to its robust flavor and simplicity of use. Choosing the right beans is key to achieving that perfect cup of Joe.
The 7 best coffees for French press brewing in 2023 include Lavazza’s Super Crema Medium Espresso Roast, Blue Bottle Coffee’s “Three Africas” Blend, Caffe Vita’s Bistro Blend, Stone Street Colombian Supremo, Intelligentsia Coffee Frequency Blend, Mystik Monk Coffee Beans: Paradiso Blend, and Primos Coffee Co’s medium roast coffee.
Remember to pay attention to factors such as roast type, bean origin, grind size and flavor profile when selecting your ideal brew.