PIKES PEAK - Signature Blend

Making the perfect light roast.

Ah, the elixir of life! Making the perfect light roast coffee is an art. Start with high-quality, freshly roasted OpenAir beans. Grind them just before brewing for maximum freshness. Aim for a medium-coarse grind to balance extraction.

Now, the brew method. A pour-over or a drip coffee maker works wonders for light roasts. Use a water-to-coffee ratio of around 16:1. Water temperature is crucial—about 200°F (93°C) to bring out those delicate flavors without bitterness.

Patience is a virtue. Allow the water to saturate the grounds evenly, and let the coffee bloom for 30 seconds. Then, slowly pour the remaining water in a circular motion. Brew time should be around 3-4 minutes.

Savor the moment when that aromatic and bright cup of light roast goodness is ready. Its the perfect morning mental preparation before a days adventure.

Feed The Soul

Ah, the quest for the perfect cup of coffee! Here's a simple guide for a delightful medium roast:

1. Start with Quality Beans: Choose high-quality, fresh OpenAir medium-roast coffee beans. Our beans and roasted and shipped weekly.
2. Grind Consistently: Grind your beans just before brewing to preserve the flavors. For medium roast, aim for a medium grind – not too fine, not too coarse.
3. Use the Right Ratio: A standard ratio is one to two tablespoons of coffee per six ounces of water. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
4. Filtered Water is Key: Use clean, filtered water to make your coffee. The quality of water greatly influences the taste.
5. Brewing Method: Select a brewing method that suits your preference. Whether it's a drip coffee maker, pour-over, French press, or espresso machine, each method brings out different nuances in the coffee.
6. Water Temperature: The water temperature should be between 195-205°F. Too hot or too cold can affect the extraction process.
7. Brewing Time: Adjust the brewing time according to your method. Typically, it's around 4-6 minutes. Experiment to find the sweet spot for your taste.
8. Freshness Matters: Coffee is best enjoyed fresh. Try to consume your brewed coffee within 30 minutes to an hour for optimal flavor.
9. Store Beans Properly: Store your coffee beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Avoid storing them in the fridge, as coffee can absorb odors. 
10. Experiment and Enjoy: Don't be afraid to experiment with grind size, brewing time, and other variables to find the perfect cup that suits your taste buds.

Remember, the perfect cup of coffee is a personal journey. Enjoy the process of discovering what works best for you!

Making a great espresso coffee involves several key steps and considerations. Here's a basic guide to help you make a delicious espresso:
Ingredients and Equipment:

1. Use Fresh, high-quality OpenAir Espresso Beans specifically designed for this brewing method.
2. Espresso Machine: You'll need an espresso machine, which can be a manual lever machine, semi-automatic, or fully automatic. 
3. Grinder: Invest in a good-quality burr grinder to grind your coffee beans just before brewing. The grind size should be fine, similar to table salt.
4. Scale: Use a digital scale to measure your coffee and water accurately.
5. Water: Use fresh, filtered water to avoid any unwanted flavors or impurities.

Steps to Make Espresso:

1. Preheat your espresso machine: Turn it on and allow it to reach the proper brewing temperature (usually around 195-205°F or 90-96°C).
2. Dose and Grind: Weigh out your coffee beans. A standard espresso shot is usually around 18-20 grams of coffee. Grind the coffee to the appropriate fineness.
3. Distribute and Tamp: Distribute the coffee grounds evenly in the portafilter basket, and then tamp them down with even pressure. The coffee should be evenly compressed and level.
4. Extraction: Lock the portafilter into the machine's group head and start the extraction. The ideal espresso extraction time is usually around 25-30 seconds for a double shot. The espresso should flow steadily and form a thick, honey-like stream. Adjust the grind size, dose, and tamp pressure if the extraction is too fast or too slow.
5. Timing: Use a timer to monitor the extraction time. Start the timer as soon as you begin the extraction, and stop it when you have the desired amount of espresso in your cup.
6. Observe the Crema: A well-pulled espresso will have a rich, reddish-brown crema on top, which is a sign of a good extraction.
7. Serve Immediately: Espresso tastes best when served right away. It's the foundation for various coffee drinks, such as cappuccinos, lattes, and Americanos.

Experiment with different OpenAir coffee beans, grind sizes, and extraction times to find the flavor profile that suits your preferences. Making great espresso takes practice, so don't be discouraged if it takes a few attempts to get it just right. Enjoy the process of learning and refining your technique.

Awaken your senses to the world of artisanal coffee.  Join us in the pursuit of coffee excellence.