The Long-Form Version
1. Prep the Filter
Unfold the Chemex filter so the triple-fold side covers the spout.
Wet it with a bit of hot water.
2. Add the Grounds
Measure out 42g of freshly ground San Fran Coffee (we prefer a darker roast, or low acidity with a pour over) Pour it into the filter like you’re seasoning your favorite pan, evenly, lovingly.
Shake it gently to level the bed.
3. The Bloom
Start your timer and pour 80-100g of water (double the weight of your coffee) to wet all the grounds.
Let it sit for 30-45 seconds while it blooms. That puff? It’s the coffee releasing gas and showing off.
4. The Pour
Slowly pour in concentric circles, staying center-focused.
Don’t hit the filter directly. It’s called pour over, not splash all over.
Keep pouring steadily until you reach 700g total, over about 3.5–4 minutes.
If the water's rushing through too fast, your grind’s too coarse. If it’s crawling like molasses, too fine.
5. Remove the Filter
Once the coffee drains completely, remove the filter with a gentle flick (or a dramatic flourish, your choice).
Do not squeeze the filter. That’s how bitterness happens.
6. Pour & Romanticize Your Life
That’s it. You just made beautiful, clean, bright coffee. Perfect for journaling in a sunbeam, pretending you’re in a Nancy Meyers film, or just impressing your cat.
PRO BREWING TIPS (POUR OVER)
Clarity is the Name of the Game
Chemex filters give you that tea-like clean cup.
Is the Grind Off?
Too fine = bitter, too coarse = sad. Go for a bit more coarse than drip, a bit finer than metal cone (ask for 6.5 if you come into our coffeehouse!)
Too Sharp?
Try a darker roast or, a lower acidity coffee like our Organic Sumatra, or Old Whaler's Blend. It provides a cleaner cup and an easier finish. Medium and lighter roasts are great too, but the sharpness will come thru.
TOOLS FOR THE JOB!
Oh, one more thing...!
We roast small-batch, fresh beans at our Atlanta Coffeehouse with over 30 years of experience, the old fashioned way, by hand! Come see us in Candler Park or Virginia Highland, or snag a subscription so you never run out.