Just joined: need help.

[nikijack]

Hi : I think I do everything right, roast my own beans, grind them properly, use a filter. I use 4 scoops of coffee for about a half mug, and it turns out weak. I wonder what I'm doing wrong.

 

[ChrisD]

Hi Nikijack. Try smaller sized grains, ie perhaps you need to grind finer. Worked for me. Cheers ( let me know how you go)

 

[Musicphan]

Impossible to really help without knowing the mug and scoop size. In general, it's best to use weight - approx. 16-18 parts water to 1 part coffee. Or, in general terms, about 2 TBSP per 6oz water

 

[mb7b64]

Hi, welcome to the forum!
tell me all your steps when preparing coffee, maybe this way I can help you.

 

[nikijack]

Thanks: I access the beans from Sweet Maria's, an assortment, roast with a Gene. I have a Fresh Roast, but it doesn't work in the winter. Grind with a Rancilio Rocky, set at about 10, quite fine. Use a Peet's spoon, which is 2 tablespoons, usually 4 of those, sometimes 5. The weight, with plastic pour over and paper filter, is about 98 grams. I don't know the temperature of the water, that may be a problem. I stir the coffee in the filter, so that all the grinds are wet. I make about a third of a mug, sometimes porcelain, sometimes the Yeti insulated. Yesterday I tried the Aeropress, for the first time, with 2 scoops. Maybe I should switch to espresso. I can't get it strong enough. Jack

 

[nikijack]

Oh, and, the water is well water, Reverse Osmosis. No chlorine.

 

[Musicphan]

Oh, and, the water is well water, Reverse Osmosis. No chlorine.

That may be a significant part of your issue..... when you use RO it takes all of the minerals out of the water. When that occurs the coffee will taste "flat" or just lack depth of flavor. As far as temp goes, boil your water then pull it off the heat and let it sit about 1 minute, That will get you at least close enough.

 

[nikijack]

MP: Thanks: I tried the tap water today - no difference. I'm assuming it's the coffee itself. I just roasted a Tanzanian. I've had good luck with those beans. See how it tastes tomorrow morning. Jack

 

[nikijack]

The Tanzanian beans did the trick, good, strong, tangy, flavour.