Ember Roasts

The Brew Guide — Issue No. 12

A beautifully crafted cup of coffee on a wooden table beside brewing equipment

Brew Better Coffee,
Starting Today

Hey there — glad you are here. Whether you are dialing in your first pour-over or trying to nail a silky espresso shot, getting the fundamentals right makes all the difference. We put together this quick guide to help you brew with more confidence, more consistency, and honestly, a lot more enjoyment.

Below, we break down three of the most popular brew methods — what grind size to use, the right water temperature, and the ideal coffee-to-water ratio. Each one also comes with a pro tip and a recommendation from our lineup of roasts. Let us get into it.

Method 01

Pour-Over

Grind Size

Medium-Fine

Water Temp

93 C / 200 F

Ratio

1:15 to 1:17

Pour-over is all about control. You manage the pour rate, the bloom, and the extraction time — usually around 3 to 4 minutes total. It rewards patience and produces a beautifully clean, bright cup that lets the coffee's natural flavors shine.

Pro Tip

Start with a 30-second bloom — pour twice the weight of your coffee in water and let the grounds degas fully before continuing. This unlocks a noticeably sweeter, more even extraction.

Best Roast Match

Ember Light Roast — Highland Sunrise

Bright citrus notes and floral aromatics that pour-over brings to life.

Method 02

French Press

Grind Size

Coarse

Water Temp

91 C / 196 F

Ratio

1:12 to 1:14

French press is the go-to for a full-bodied, rich cup. The metal filter keeps the natural oils in your coffee, which gives it that satisfying weight and depth. Steep for 4 minutes, press slowly, and pour immediately so it does not over-extract.

Pro Tip

After your 4-minute steep, break the crust on top and skim off the foam and floating grounds before pressing. You will get a noticeably cleaner cup with less bitterness.

Best Roast Match

Ember Medium Roast — Dark Valley Blend

Smooth chocolate and walnut undertones that thrive in full-immersion brewing.

Method 03

Espresso

Grind Size

Fine

Water Temp

90 C / 194 F

Ratio

1:2 to 1:2.5

Espresso is the most technical of the three, but once you find your dial-in, it is incredibly rewarding. You are pulling 18 to 20 grams of coffee into a 36 to 40 gram shot in roughly 25 to 30 seconds. Pressure, grind, and dose all work together — adjust one variable at a time.

Pro Tip

Weigh your output, not just your input. A shot that tastes sour is under-extracted — grind finer. Bitter? Grind coarser. Your scale is your most important piece of espresso equipment.

Best Roast Match

Ember Dark Roast — Obsidian Espresso

Deep caramel sweetness and a bold crema that makes every shot count.

Selection of Ember Roasts coffee bags lined up on a wooden shelf

Ready to Go Deeper?

The full guide covers brew ratios in more detail, water quality tips, equipment recommendations, and a troubleshooting chart for common problems. It is free, it is thorough, and it will genuinely improve your cup.

Read the Full Brew Guide

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Ember Roasts — 142 Roastery Lane, Portland, OR 97201

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Brew Better Coffee,Starting Today

Pour-Over

French Press

Espresso

Ready to Go Deeper?

Brew Better Coffee,
Starting Today

Your Perfect Brew Guide – Make the Most of Every Cup