The French press is popular for its ease of operation, but behind the seemingly simple immersion, the choice of coffee beans and control of parameters are equally crucial. This article explores the differences in characteristics and usage between the French press and pour-over coffee, outlines recommendations for Front Street Coffee beans corresponding to different flavor types, and records the complete process and flavor feedback of making French press black coffee with Front Street Huakui through practical testing, helping coffee enthusiasts gain a more systematic understanding of the advantages and variables of immersion extraction.
The most prominent advantage of the French press lies in its low operational threshold, which leads many to believe that as long as the grind size, water temperature, and time are roughly fixed, the brewed coffee flavor will be similar, presenting an overall full-bodied and heavy profile. However, the reality is that by switching to coffee beans from different regions, the French press can also deliver vastly different cup expressions. You can drink it directly as black coffee or add sugar or milk according to your preference to make the taste softer and smoother.
Immersion extraction significantly extends the contact time between water and coffee grounds, dissolving a richer array of flavor compounds, but at the same time, the variables in the extraction process become harder to control precisely. For this reason, when selecting beans, priority should be given to coffee beans that are inherently full-flavored and highly distinctive.
French Press Coffee Bean Buying Guide: For those who prefer floral types, Front Street Guodingding (jasmine, citrus) and Front Street Huakui (creamy strawberry, guava) are top choices; for fruity types, Front Street Strawberry Candy (grape, rose) and Front Street Blackberry (blueberry, dried fruit) are recommended; for those seeking full-bodied types, Front Street Queen's Estate (roasted peanut, toasted bread) and Front Street PWN Golden Mandheling (spices, sandalwood) are recommended.
This time we chose Front Street Huakui to make French press coffee. Front Street Huakui coffee originates from the Hambela sub-region of the Sidamo region in Ethiopia. Since winning the championship in the natural group of the TOH Ethiopia competition in 2017, Front Street Huakui coffee has won the favor of many domestic coffee enthusiasts with its distinct berry notes and lingering creamy finish.
Equipment: French press
Coffee beans: Front Street Huakui
Water temperature: 90°C
Dose: 15 grams
Coffee-to-water ratio: 1:15
Grind size: white sugar consistency (EK43s grinder setting 10)
Time: 4 minutes
First preheat the carafe, place the ground coffee into the French press, pour in 90°C hot water at a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio, then raise the plunger to the highest position and cover with the lid.
After steeping for a full four minutes, slowly press the plunger down to the one-quarter position, then pour out the coffee and it is ready to drink.
Brewed according to the above parameters and steps, Front Street Huakui coffee presents a clear mixed berry aroma on the palate, with a texture like mixed fruit juice, a faint hint of orange blossom, a very prominent creamy smoothness, and an overall full and mellow mouthfeel.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
