How should I store my coffee?
TL;DR: Store whole beans in airtight container, cool dry place, away from light, use within two weeks.
Proper storage maintains your coffee's freshness and flavor integrity. Since Drifting Drams roasts to order, following these guidelines ensures you experience the full flavor profile of your chosen blend.
Storage guidelines:
- Keep beans whole until brewing
- Use airtight containers (avoid original bags after opening)
- Store in cool, dry place (not refrigerator/freezer)
- Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources
- Use within 2-3 weeks of roast date for optimal flavor
Why storage matters: Coffee beans contain oils that provide flavor. Exposure to air, light, heat, and moisture causes these oils to break down, creating stale, flat-tasting coffee. Your roast-to-order approach ensures maximum freshness at delivery, but proper storage maintains quality.
What grind size should I use?
TL;DR: Coarse for French press, medium for drip, fine for espresso; grind just before brewing.
Grind size affects extraction rate and final flavor. Using the correct grind for your brewing method ensures optimal extraction and prevents over or under-extraction.
Grind size guide:
- Coarse (French press): Large, chunky pieces
- Medium (drip coffee): Consistency of kosher salt
- Fine (espresso/Moka pot): Powdery, but not flour-like
Timing matters: Grind just before brewing to preserve flavor compounds. Pre-ground coffee loses flavor quickly due to increased surface area exposure to air.
Why does my coffee taste bitter/sour?
TL;DR: Bitter means over-extracted (grind coarser, reduce time); sour means under-extracted (grind finer, increase time).
Understanding extraction helps troubleshoot flavor issues and optimize your brewing technique.
Troubleshooting guide:
- Bitter coffee: Over-extraction from too fine grind, too long brew time, or too hot water
- Sour coffee: Under-extraction from too coarse grind, too short brew time, or too cool water
- Weak coffee: Insufficient coffee-to-water ratio or under-extraction
Solutions: Adjust one variable at a time. Start with grind size, then adjust brew time, finally water temperature. Your Drifting Drams blends are carefully crafted for balance, so proper extraction showcases their intended flavor profiles.
