The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Coffee Beans for French Press

Are you tired of your morning coffee lacking that robust flavor and depth you crave? Look no further, because we're about to spill the beans on how to brew the best cup of coffee using a French press. From choosing the best coffee beans for French press to perfecting the grind, we've got you covered. Get ready to elevate your coffee game and discover the secret to the best cup of joe you've ever tasted. With our guide, you'll never settle for mediocre coffee again. So, grab your French press and get ready to have your taste buds tantalized by the best coffee beans for French press in 2020.

French Press Coffee Basics

The French press brewing method may seem simple, but there are important details to consider for optimal results. Here's how to choose the best coffee beans and brew a delicious cup using this immersion brewing device.

Choosing the Best Coffee Beans for French Press

Finding the perfect coffee beans for your French press is a combination of personal preference and expert guidance. Here are some tips to help you decide:

- Consider your flavor preference. Light roasted and fruity beans from Kenya or Ethiopia are ideal for those who enjoy a lighter flavor profile. For bolder flavors, opt for darker roasted Brazilian coffee.

- Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and every country produces a variety of beans that may deviate from the stereotype.

How French Press Works

Unlike other brewing methods, such as Chemex or V60, the French press uses an immersion brewing technique. This means that the coffee grounds and water coexist in the same space during the steeping process. This results in a complete extraction and requires specific origins and roast profiles to achieve the best flavors.

The Importance of Grind Size

Traditionally, a coarse grind size has been recommended for French press brewing. However, a medium grind size can yield better flavor extraction from the beans. When using a medium grind, make sure to be cautious when pressing the piston and allow the coffee to settle before pouring.

Grinding Whole Coffee Beans

Grinding whole coffee beans for your French press is an easy task. Use a manual or electric grinder set to a coarse grind size. Grind the exact amount of coffee you need for your brew to preserve flavor and aroma.

Opt for Whole Beans Instead of Pre-Ground

To enjoy the freshest and most flavorful coffee, choose whole beans over pre-ground. Coffee beans start to go stale once exposed to oxygen, so it's best to grind them just before brewing. Look for beans that have been roasted within the last three months for the crispest flavors.

Factors to Consider for French Press Brewing

For the best French press coffee experience, keep these factors in mind:

- Freshly roasted beans are essential, as they retain their flavors better.

- Ensure your equipment is clean and well-maintained.

- Use soft water with low mineral content, preferably around 80-150 TDS.

- Stick to a generous 1:14 coffee-to-water ratio for optimal extraction.

- Choose a medium grind size for a balanced flavor.

- Let the brew steep for 6 minutes to ensure proper extraction.

- Enjoy a robust and flavorful cup of coffee.

Choosing the Right Coffee Roast

For French press brewing, medium to dark roasts work well. Darker roasts complement the French press method, especially if you prefer adding milk or sugar to your coffee. These roasts offer deep, chocolatey, and earthy flavors.

Complementing Immersion Brewing with Flavor Notes

French press brewing creates a fuller-bodied coffee that pairs well with rich and nutty flavors like dark chocolate, hazelnut, and almonds. Look for these flavor notes to enhance your French press experience.

Top Coffee Recommendations for French Press

While personal preference is key, here are our top three coffee selections for French press brewing:

1. Equator Blend: A medium-dark roast with a mellow and complex flavor profile featuring cedar, apricot, marzipan, milk chocolate, and nutmeg.
2. Mocha Java Fair Trade Organic: A rich and full-bodied medium roast with flavors of dark chocolate, almond, and berry-like fruit.
3. French Roast Fair Trade Organic: Our darkest roast, offering a rich and smoky profile with notes of bittersweet chocolate, dried plum, and walnuts.

How to Choose the Best Coarse Grounds for a French Press

When purchasing coarse grounds for your coffee press, there are a few factors to consider: the type of beans used and the roasting process.

As coffee enthusiasts, many of us have developed a deep understanding of the coffee we consume and the various ways to prepare it.

One major advantage of using a French press is the ability to customize your cup of coffee. By adjusting the size and type of grounds, water temperature, and steeping time, you can achieve the exact taste you desire.

Here are some key factors to consider when selecting coffee grounds for your French press:

Coffee Bean Type

In addition to the coarseness of the grind, the type of coffee bean used and whether it's a single origin or a blend is important to consider.

There are four main types of coffee beans:

- Arabica: Smooth and complex flavor with minimal bitterness.

- Robusta: Strong aroma, more bitter taste, higher caffeine content than Arabica.

- Liberica: Spicy floral aroma with bold, nutty, woody, and smoky flavors.

- Excelsa: Light aroma, tart and fruity flavor, lower caffeine content than other types.

The two most common coffee beans are Coffea Arabica and Coffea Canephora (also known as Coffea Robusta). Arabica beans are known for their high-quality and lack of bitterness, making them a popular choice for French press brewing.

Coffee can be made from a single-origin or blended beans. Single-origin coffee offers a bold and robust flavor profile, while blended specialty coffee combines different beans to achieve a balanced taste.

Type of Roast

The roasting process greatly influences the aroma and flavor of coffee. Factors such as body, acidity, and flavor can be influenced by the length of the roasting process.

There are different types of coffee roasts:

- Gold: Roasted at a lower temperature, resulting in a smooth, non-bitter taste and higher caffeine content.

- Blonde: Roasted just after the first crack, high in acidity with citrusy notes.

- Light: Tangy and floral taste, sweeter and less bitter than medium or dark roasts.

- Medium: Smooth, sweet, chocolatey, with a bittersweet aftertaste.

- Dark: Bold, rich, chocolatey, toasty, and bittersweet.

Medium to dark roasts are ideal for brewing with a French press. These roasts complement the French press experience, especially when adding milk and sugar.

Why Use Coarse Grounds in a French Press?

The French press brewing method involves longer extraction time compared to other methods. Therefore, using a coarser grind is essential to slow down extraction and prevent over-extraction. Over-extracted coffee can taste bitter, overpowering the desired sweetness and acidity.

The coarseness of the grind affects the flavor of the coffee. Coarse grounds allow for greater water flow and retain flavor for a longer duration. If your coffee tastes watery and acidic, your grind may be too coarse. Conversely, if your coffee tastes too bitter, a coarser grind can enhance the flavor.

Consider the grind size:

- Coarse

- Medium-Coarse

- Medium

- Medium-Fine

- Fine

By understanding the impact of grind size and adjusting accordingly, you can achieve your desired flavor profile when brewing with a French press.

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Score: ☕☕☕

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👉Bean type: Arabica, single-origin

👉Flavor: smooth, rich

👉Roast level: Medium

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The Lifeboost Medium Roast Coffee is a great option for those with a sensitive stomach. It offers a smooth and rich flavor that is gentle on the digestive system.

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This coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans that are grown in the mountains of Nicaragua. The beans are handpicked and carefully processed to ensure the highest quality.

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Lifeboost Coffee takes pride in being organic and low acid. The beans are grown using sustainable farming practices without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides.

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The medium roast brings out the natural flavors of the beans without any burnt or bitter taste. It has a smooth and well-balanced flavor profile that is pleasing to the palate.

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One downside is that some people find this coffee to be a bit weak in flavor. If you prefer a bolder taste, this may not be the best option for you.

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The packaging is also worth mentioning as it is designed to keep the coffee fresh for longer. The coffee is sealed in airtight bags with a one-way valve to release carbon dioxide while preventing oxygen from entering.

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I would rate the Lifeboost Medium Roast Coffee a 3 out of 5.

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Pros:

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✅gentle on the stomach

✅organic

✅sustainable farming practices

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Cons:

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❌may be weak in flavor

❌not suitable for those who prefer a bolder taste

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7.  Coffee Bros. Whole Bean Coffee

Best for coffee lovers

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Score: ☕☕☕

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👉Bean type: Arabica, single-origin

👉Flavor: chocolate, nuts, slightly fruity

👉Roast level: Medium-Dark

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The Coffee Bros. Whole Bean Coffee offers a delightful combination of flavors with hints of chocolate, nuts, and a subtle fruity note.

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This coffee is made from a single-origin Arabica bean, sourced directly from a small farm in Colombia. It is roasted in small batches to ensure consistent quality and freshness.

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The Coffee Bros. take pride in their commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. They work directly with farmers to ensure fair prices and promote environmental sustainability.

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The medium-dark roast brings out the rich flavors of the beans without any overpowering bitterness. It has a smooth and well-rounded taste that is perfect for coffee lovers.

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One drawback is that some people find this coffee to be a bit weak in intensity. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you may need to use more coffee grounds per cup.

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The packaging is also worth noting as it is designed with a resealable zipper to ensure maximum freshness and flavor retention.

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I would rate the Coffee Bros. Whole Bean Coffee a 3 out of 5.

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Pros:

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✅delightful flavor combination

✅ethical sourcing

✅sustainable practices

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Cons:

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❌may be weak in intensity

❌requires more coffee grounds for a stronger flavor

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8. Cooper's Cask Coffee

Best for coffee aficionados

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Score: ☕☕☕☕

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👉Bean type: Arabica, single-origin

👉Flavor: rich, complex, nutty undertones

👉Roast level: Medium-Dark

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The Cooper's Cask Coffee is designed for coffee aficionados who appreciate a rich and complex flavor profile. It has a medium-dark roast with nutty undertones.

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This coffee is made from single-origin Arabica beans sourced from the Tarrazu region of Costa Rica. The beans are carefully selected and roasted to bring out their unique flavors.

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Cooper's Cask Coffee is known for their dedication to quality and craftsmanship. They take pride in the entire coffee-making process, from sourcing the beans to roasting them with precision.

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The medium-dark roast provides a well-balanced and full-bodied taste that is both satisfying and smooth. It has a complexity of flavors with nutty undertones that add depth to the overall experience.

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One potential downside is that some people find this coffee to be a bit too bold. If you prefer a milder taste, you may need to adjust the brewing ratio to your preference.

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The packaging is also worth mentioning as it comes in a resealable bag that helps preserve the freshness and aroma of the coffee.

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I would rate Cooper's Cask Coffee a 4 out of 5.

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Pros:

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✅rich and complex flavor profile

✅dedication to quality and craftsmanship

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Cons:

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❌may be too bold for some

❌may require adjusting brewing ratio for milder taste

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9. Café Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Coffee

Best for organic coffee enthusiasts

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Score: ☕☕☕☕

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👉Bean type: Arabica, single-origin

👉Flavor: smooth, full-bodied, chocolatey

👉Roast level: Medium-Dark

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The Café Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Coffee is a great option for organic coffee enthusiasts. It offers a smooth and full-bodied flavor with a hint of chocolate.

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This coffee is made from single-origin Arabica beans grown in Honduras. It is certified organic and grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.

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Café Don Pablo takes pride in their commitment to eco-friendly practices and sustainable farming. They work closely with farmers to ensure the highest quality beans while minimizing environmental impact.

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The medium-dark roast brings out the natural sweetness and richness of the beans. It has a smooth and well-rounded flavor profile that is both satisfying and comforting.

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One potential drawback is that some people find this coffee to be a bit too strong. If you prefer a milder taste, you may need to adjust the brewing ratio or try a different roast level.

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The packaging is also worth mentioning as it is designed with a one-way valve to preserve the freshness and aroma of the coffee.

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I would rate Café Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Coffee a 4 out of 5.

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Pros:

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✅certified organic

✅eco-friendly practices and sustainable farming

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Cons:

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❌may be too strong for some

❌may require adjusting brewing ratio for milder taste

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Best Coffee for French Press 2020

1: Driftaway Coffee Subscription

If you have a busy schedule or don't live near a specialty coffee roaster, getting a coffee subscription like Driftaway makes sense.

Driftaway offers a unique approach where you can try a sampler package first before settling on a specific roast profile. They deliver the coffee directly to your mailbox.

All their coffees are single origin and provide information about the farmers who grew the beans.

Sign up here.

2: Blue Bottle Coffee 'Three Africas Blend' Organic

Blue Bottle is well-known for delivering high-quality coffee with vibrant and fruity flavors.

Their 'Three Africas Blend' is a combination of African coffees, including Ethiopian beans. It offers interesting notes and a balanced taste with hints of chocolate. This blend is suitable for drinking with milk and serves as a great introduction to African coffee.

Find more reviews here.

3: Intelligentsia Coffee Frequency Blend Direct Trade

Intelligentsia Coffee's Frequency Blend is specifically crafted for French press brewing. It consists of medium roasted Brazilian beans for a smooth and chocolaty flavor, along with a rotating washed coffee for added complexity. The blend promises flavors like lemongrass, pineapple, and breakfast tea.

Intelligentsia is known for their commitment to direct trade and buying coffee directly from farmers at the source.

Find more reviews here.

4: Koffee Kult Colombian Huila

For lovers of medium roasted Colombian beans, Koffee Kult Colombian Huila is a popular choice.

This coffee offers a combination of sweet chocolate and caramel flavors, with subtle hints of stone fruit. The beans are sourced from the Huila region in Colombia, known for producing exquisite coffee.

Find more reviews here.

5: Onyx Coffee Lab Ethiopia Kercha, Light Roast

Onyx Coffee Lab is highly regarded in the US coffee scene. This light roast Ethiopian single origin coffee offers a floral and fruity experience.

With notes of jasmine, bergamot, blackberry, and blood orange, this coffee provides a unique and flavorful taste. It is recommended to use soft, bottled water for the best results.

Find more reviews here.

French press brew guide

Once you find the best coffee for French press, how do you make the perfect cup? Tupper shares his secrets in this French press brew guide.

Tupper follows a simplified version of the James Hoffmann French press method developed by the UK-based coffee expert. Here are his recommended steps.

Use a 1:16 ratio of beans to water

Start with a ratio of 1 ounce of coffee to 16 ounces of water. Adjust the ratio to suit your taste preferences. Use a scale for precise measurements.

Bring water to a boil

While the water is heating up, prepare your equipment.

Grind your coffee coarsely

Grind your coffee beans to a coarse consistency, similar to kosher salt. This prevents grounds from passing through the metal filter.

Rinse the French press with hot water

Warm up the French press by rinsing it with hot water from the kettle.

Add coffee grounds to the French press

Place the coffee grounds in the bottom of the warmed French press.

Create a bloom with hot water

Pour hot water slowly over the coffee grounds, saturating them and allowing carbon dioxide to escape. Stir gently if needed.

Let the coffee bloom for 30 seconds, then stir and steep

Allow the coffee to bloom for about 30 seconds. Stir gently to make sure all grounds are evenly saturated. Let the coffee steep for the desired brewing time (3-4 minutes is recommended).

Plunge and serve

Slowly press the plunger down, separating the liquid coffee from the grounds. Pour the brewed coffee into your cup and enjoy.

If needed, adjust the brewing parameters for the next cup, such as grind size or steeping time, to achieve your desired taste.

How to store French press coffee beans for a long time?

1) Store the beans in an airtight container

To prevent the beans from becoming stale, keep them in a tightly sealed container. Consider using a container with a one-way valve that allows carbon dioxide to escape without letting air in.

2) Store the beans in a cool, dark place

Heat, light, and moisture can affect the flavor of coffee beans. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

3) Avoid storing beans in the fridge or freezer

Contrary to popular belief, storing coffee beans in the fridge or freezer can actually make them go stale faster. The cold, closed environment can also affect the aroma and flavor of the beans.

4) Buy smaller quantities of beans

If you don't consume coffee frequently, it's better to buy smaller quantities of beans more frequently to ensure freshness.

Brewing Instructions

Looking for the perfect coffee-to-water ratio for your French press? Check out our French Press Brew Guide

Tiger Tips

• Grind Size: To extract the most flavor from your beans, grind them right before brewing. Use a medium to coarse grind, similar to Maldon sea salt.
• Clean Equipment: Always clean your equipment, especially the mesh filter of the French press, to prevent bitterness in future brews.
• Meditate: Use the 4-5 minutes of brewing time to relax and appreciate the process. It can enhance your coffee-drinking experience.

Where to buy coarse ground coffee for french press?

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You can buy coarse ground coffee online from platforms like Amazon or eBay. Grocery stores also carry coarse ground coffee. Alternatively, you can visit a coffee shop like Starbucks to purchase coarse ground coffee.

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Remember, the grind size plays a significant role in the brewing process. Avoid using finely ground coffee for brewing methods that require slower or longer steeping.

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Understanding different coffee brands and their characteristics can help you choose the best coarsely ground coffee for your French press.

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Go deeper

For those who want to delve deeper into the world of coffee, here are some additional considerations:

Light or dark: Best roast for the french press?

The ideal roast level depends on personal preference. While light roasts offer a pure taste, medium to dark roasts are more forgiving and suitable for French press brewing.

Single origin vs. blend

Single origin beans come from a specific location, providing a unique flavor experience. Blends, on the other hand, combine different beans for flavor variety. Both options have their merits, and choosing between them depends on individual preferences.

Quick Navigation

Wrapping up

These are the best coffee beans for French press brewing. For a perfect cup, choose a medium to dark roast with a rich, full-bodied flavor.

Brazilian, Colombian, and Ethiopian beans are popular options that deliver satisfying and flavorful results. Additionally, prioritize buying freshly roasted beans to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.

In conclusion, finding the best coffee beans for your French press is essential to achieving a rich and flavorful cup of coffee. From selecting the right grind to exploring different origins and roast levels, there are endless possibilities to customize your brew. Whether you prefer a bold and robust flavor or a smooth and subtle taste, experimenting with various coarse grounds and storage techniques will allow you to find your personal favorite. So, dive in, explore the world of French press coffee, and savor every sip of your perfectly brewed cup. Cheers!