Perfect Your Pour

Brew Tips Start Here

Small tweaks make a big difference. This guide covers grind sizes, water quality, brew ratios, and step-by-step methods so every cup tastes smoother and richer.

Step-by-Step

Brew Methods

Drip Machine

Grind: Medium
Ratio: 1:15–1:17
Time: 4–6 min

Steps: Pre-wet paper filter • Use filtered water at ~200°F • Brew, then move coffee to thermal carafe (avoid hot plate).

Pour-Over (V60/Chemex)

Grind: Med-fine (V60) / Med-coarse (Chemex)
Ratio: 1:15–1:16
Time: 2:30–4:30

Steps: Rinse filter • Bloom 30–45 sec (2–3× coffee weight in water) • Pour slowly in spirals until finished.

French Press

Grind: Coarse
Ratio: 1:15
Time: 4 min

Steps: Add coffee • Bloom 30 sec • Stir • Steep 4 min • Skim foam • Plunge gently, serve immediately.

AeroPress

Grind: Fine-medium
Ratio: ~1:12
Time: 1:30–2:00

Steps: Add coffee • Bloom briefly • Stir • Press slowly.

Tip: Try inverted method for a richer body.

Cold Brew

Grind: Coarse
Ratio: 1:4 (concentrate) / 1:8 (ready-to-drink)
Time: 12–18 hrs (fridge)

Steps: Combine coffee + water • Steep in fridge • Strain well • Dilute concentrate 1:1 with water or milk to taste.

Hand grinder with coffee beans on a background of scattered coffee beans

Fresh Grind, Better Cup

Grind Size Matters

For the freshest cup, grind beans right before brewing. A burr grinder ensures consistency, and using the right grind size prevents sour under-extraction or bitter over-extraction. Experiment until you find your sweet spot.

  • AeroPress®: Fine grind
  • Drip Machines: Medium-Fine
  • Pour-Over / Chemex®: Medium-Coarse
  • French Press: Coarse

Pro Tip (optional small text): 1–2 Tbsp coffee per 6 oz water — adjust to taste.

Person pouring water from a kettle into a coffee filter on a wooden table.

The Unsung Ingredient

The Water

Water is the second most important ingredient in your cup. Start cold and filtered. For manual brewers, boil then let it sit ~2 minutes (target 195–205°F). For auto-machines, transfer brewed coffee to a carafe — don’t let it sit on the warming plate.

Open container of coffee beans with a metal scoop on a wooden surface

Seal in Freshness

Bean Storage

Air and heat are coffee’s biggest enemies. Store beans in an airtight container in a cool spot. The Dancing Moon Coffee® bag with its one-way degassing valve is designed to keep coffee fresh — just fold and seal tightly.

  • Don’t refrigerate (beans absorb odors).
  • Freezer OK for long-term (1+ months), but avoid repeated thaw/refreeze.

Brew Better. Shop Smarter.

Ready to Put These Tips to Work?

Legendary flavor starts with the right brew and the right beans.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Quick Brew Fixes

  • Two coffee beans with a green leaf on a white background

    Sour / Thin →

    • Grind finer
    • Increase brew time
    • Slightly hotter water
  • Two coffee beans with a green leaf on a white background

    Bitter / Harsh →

    • Grind coarser
    • Shorter brew time
    • Cooler water
  • Two coffee beans with a green leaf on a white background

    Muddy / Silty →

    • Grind coarser
    • Better filter
    • Avoid stirring fines at the end
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Answers to Common Questions

What coffee-to-water ratio should I start with?

1:16, then adjust

Is a burr grinder worth it?

Yes, more consistent extraction

What temp should my water be?

195–205°F

Should I keep coffee in the fridge?

No, airtight container in a cool spot

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