French Press Brewing (Press Pot)

This method produces stronger, heavier bodied (often syrupy) cup compared to most other methods aside from espresso.

Items Required

• grinder
• timer
• measuring spoon
• boiling water
• press pot
• decanter (if brew is not entirely emptied from press pot when finished)

Grind Setting

• coarser than auto drip but less course than cold extraction or percolator
• if coffee tastes weak, grind it finer or allow water to remain in contact with grounds longer
• if it tastes to strong and bitter, grind it courser or decrease contact time

Amount

• one large Tbsp per 4 ounces water

Contact Time of Water With Grounds

• 4-6 minutes

Process

• pre-heat press pot with boiling water and discard after 60 seconds.  If you do not pour brew promptly into cups after brewing, use a decanter.  The discarded water from pre-heating press can be poured into decanter to pre-heat it as well.
• grind coffee
• remove water from boiling source and set aside
• add grounds to press pot
• set timer for 5 minutes and begin pouring water over grounds slowly while simultaneously swirling press pot to ensure full saturation of grounds  
• fill approximately 1/4 full and allow to sit and swell for 30 seconds.  Then add remainder of water while gently swirling.   place plunger into pot, above grounds, and depress when timer sounds. 
• if resistance  forbids you from plunging, gently lift up slightly on plunger one half inch then continue plunging.  Note that, in this case, next time you should grind the coffee a bit more course to avoid this excessive resistance.
• increase or decrease contact time of water to grounds based on flavor profile
• promptly remove brew from press pot and serve or decant into thermal carafe for near future enjoyment.  Note that coffee quality after it is brewed has a life of approximately 30 minutes before it becomes noticeably less enjoyable.  Attempt to consume within 20 minutes.