Tropic Brew Guide: Chemex

Tropic Brew Guide: Chemex

In the latest of our series of Tropic Brew Guides, we're diving into the elegant world of Chemex brewing. Known for its clean and crisp flavours, the Chemex method is perfect for those seeking a smooth and aromatic cup of Tropic Coffee. We'll be taking you through the equipment required, the recipe, and a step-by-step guide to mastering the art of brewing with Chemex.

Equipment Required:

Before we begin, gather the following equipment for your Chemex brewing experience:

  • Chemex Brewer: Purchase a Chemex brewer, which is an hourglass-shaped glass vessel with a wooden collar and leather tie.

  • Chemex Filters: Acquire Chemex filters specifically designed for this brewing method. These filters are thicker than standard filters and help create a clean and sediment-free cup.

  • Kettle: Maintaining the ideal water temperature is essential for a successful brew. Opt for a gooseneck kettle with a precise temperature control feature. 

  • Scale: Use a digital scale to measure your coffee and water accurately, ensuring consistency and precision.

Recipe:

To get started with Chemex brewing, use the following recipe as a foundation and adjust according to your taste preferences:

  • Coffee: 30 grams (about 4 tablespoons) of medium-coarse coffee grounds.
  • Water: 500 milliliters (16.9 fluid ounces) of water, heated to approximately 90-96°C (194-205°F).
  • Brew Time: Around 4-5 minutes.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Heat the water: Boil water and let it cool for about 1 minute to reach the optimal temperature range of 90-96°C (194-205°F).
  2. Prepare the Chemex: Unfold a Chemex filter and place it in the brewer, ensuring the triple-fold portion faces the spout. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the Chemex. Discard the rinse water.
  3. Add coffee: Add the Tropic Coffee grounds to the filter. Gently shake the Chemex to level the bed of grounds. Start a timer and pour just enough hot water (twice the weight of coffee, i.e., 60 grams) over the grounds, allowing them to "bloom" for 30 seconds. Blooming releases trapped gases for better extraction.
  4. Pour and brew: After the bloom, slowly pour the remaining hot water in a circular motion, starting from the centre and spiralling outward. Maintain a steady pour, allowing the water to evenly saturate the grounds. Take care not to pour too close to the edges of the filter to avoid over-extraction.
  5. Wait and remove the filter: Once you've poured all the water, wait for the coffee to finish dripping through the filter, which should take around 4-5 minutes. Once the dripping stops, carefully remove the filter and discard it.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Give your Chemex brew a gentle swirl to homogenise the flavours. Pour the brewed coffee into your favourite mug or carafe, and savour the delightful aromas and flavours.
  7. Clean: After enjoying your delicious cup of coffee, rinse the Chemex brewer with water.

And that's it! The combination of Chemex's unique design and meticulous brewing process results in a smooth and delicious coffee brewing (and drinking) experience. Happy brewing!

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