Ever wondered why your coffee tastes bright and fruity one morning, then deep and chocolatey the next—despite using the same beans? The secret lies not just in the coffee itself, but how you brew it.
At The Flat Cap Coffee Roasting Company, we’re all about helping you get the best from your beans. So let’s break down how different brewing methods influence flavour, and how to choose the right one for the kind of cup you’re after.
1. French Press: Full-Bodied & Bold
Using immersion brewing, the French Press allows coffee grounds to steep in hot water before being pressed down with a mesh plunger.
What you’ll taste: Rich, heavy-bodied coffee with deep flavours and lots of texture. Expect more oils and sediments, which means bolder chocolate, nut, and spice notes will shine through.
Best for: Our Brazilian or Mexican coffees – think chocolate, nuts, caramel.
2. Pour-Over: Clean & Bright
Pour-over methods like the V60 or Chemex use a paper filter, which removes oils and fine particles.
What you’ll taste: A clean, crisp cup that highlights delicate, fruity, or floral notes. Great for appreciating the unique characteristics of lighter roasts.
Best for: Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or Tanzanian Peaberry – juicy berries, florals, citrus.
3. AeroPress: Versatile & Smooth
This clever little brewer combines immersion and pressure, creating a concentrated yet clean coffee.
What you’ll taste: Smooth and balanced, with great clarity. You can adjust grind size, brew time and pressure to bring out different flavours.
Best for: Experimenters who want to tweak their brew and try different origins in different ways.
4. Espresso: Intense & Complex
Espresso uses high pressure to extract coffee quickly. It’s strong, concentrated and layered.
What you’ll taste: Intense flavours with rich crema. Think dark fruits, toffee, chocolate, and sometimes even a hint of wine or spice depending on the bean.
Best for: Lovers of a punchy shot or flat white. Try our darker-roasted Yirgacheffe or creamy Brazil Mantiqueira.
5. Cold Brew: Sweet & Refreshing
Made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12–24 hours.
What you’ll taste: Naturally sweet, low-acid coffee with mellow flavours. Ideal served over ice or with milk.
Best for: Sunny mornings or summer afternoons. Our Spring Blend or a fruity Mexican works beautifully.
So, What’s the Best Brewing Method?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it all depends on what flavours you want to bring out and how you like your coffee to feel. Why not try the same beans across a few methods and see how the flavour changes?
At Flat Cap, we love seeing how our coffees behave in different brewers. If you’re not sure where to start, get in touch—we’re always happy to help you find your perfect match.
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