Everything You Need to Know About Slow Coffee | Complete Guide & Tips

Slow Coffee, also known as slow brew, relies on slower, more precise extraction techniques. Unlike espresso, these methods allow for the full aromatic complexity of Whole Beans to be extracted, highlighting their acidity, body, and subtle nuances.

Among the most popular methods among specialty coffee enthusiasts are:

  • Cupping: A Method of Evaluation and Tasting
  • The V60: Filter Brewing
  • The Chemex: Design and Aromatic Purity
  • The AeroPress: Speed and Versatility
  • The French press: slow brewing

🎯 The goal of Slow Coffee

✅ Controlled extraction to bring out the aromas
✅ Consistent brewing for perfect balance
✅ An alternative to espresso machines for a more subtle coffee

Cupping: The Professional Tasting Method

Cupping is a technique used by roasters and baristas to assess the quality of Whole Beans. It allows them to identify aromas and analyze a coffee’s acidity, body, and aftertaste.

Method:
1️⃣ Grind the coffee to a consistent consistency (medium grind)
2️⃣ Add hot water (≈ 94°C) and let it rest
3️⃣ Break the crust on the surface with a spoon and smell the aromas
4️⃣ Sip noisily to spread the coffee across the palate
5️⃣ Compare the aromatic notes and flavor profile

Cupping is the globally recognized standard method for scoring coffee on the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) scale.

The Flower Dripper: The Perfect Filtered Brew

Making coffee with a flower dripper - Gentle pour-over technique using a circular pour

Developed by the Japanese company Cafec, the Flower Dripper method allows for precise control of water flow and brewing time. Its conical design and internal spirals facilitate even extraction.

Key features of the Dripper:

✅ Precise and consistent extraction
✅ Enhances acidity and aromatic clarity
✅ Allows for adjustments based on Grind Type water flow rate

Recommended recipe for a perfect Flower Dripper:

  • Ratio: 60 g/L (30 g per 500 ml of water)
  • Water at 94°C
  • Pre-infusion: 30 seconds with 50 ml of water
  • Gradual, phased payment over 2 or 3 stages
  • Total extraction at 2.3 to 3.3 meters

Find our detailed recipe here.

The Chemex: Elegance and Clarity in Every Cup

Created in 1941 by Peter Schlumbohm, the Chemex is a glass coffee maker with an iconic design. It uses thick filters that trap oils and microparticles, producing coffee of exceptional clarity.

✅ Why choose the Chemex?
✔️ Pure, delicate flavors
✔️ Minimal bitterness thanks to Filter
✔️ Sophisticated design, perfect for elegant serving

Recommended recipe for a Chemex:

  • Ratio 1:15 (40 g of coffee to 600 ml of water)
  • Pre-infusion: 30 seconds with 80 ml of water
  • Complete extraction in 3 to 4 minutes

Barista tip: Use a Grind Type coarser Grind Type than Grind Type would for a V60 to prevent the extraction from taking too long.

The AeroPress: A Quick and Versatile Method

Alexis, during his victory at the French Championships

The AeroPress, invented in 2005 by Alan Adler, is a unique method that combines immersion and pressure. It offers a quick extraction and allows you to adjust various variables to achieve coffee with a wide range of flavor profiles.

Why is the AeroPress so popular?
✅ Quick extraction in under 2 minutes
✅ Produces coffee similar to espresso
✅ Easy to carry and clean

Classic recipe:

17 g of coffee per 250 ml of water
Steep for 1 minute and 30 seconds before gently pressing
Can be used with the inverted method for a fuller body

📌 Alternative: For a stronger brew, use a 1:10 ratio and press more slowly. Find all our Aeropress recipes here.

The French Press: Simplicity and Rich Body

The French press (or plunger coffee maker) is one of the most accessible methods. It uses a full-brewing process, which preserves all the coffee’s oils and aromatic compounds.

✅ Why choose the French Press?
✔️ A simple and effective method
✔️ Coffee with more body and texture
✔️ Ideal for those who prefer a rounder, more intense brew

The perfect recipe for a French press:

Ratio 1:15 (35 g of coffee per 500 ml of water)
Grind Type
Brew for 4 minutes, then press slowly
📌 Barista tip: Gently stir after 2 minutes to ensure even extraction.

🎯 Conclusion

Slow Coffee methods Slow Coffee explore the full richness of specialty coffee. Each technique offers a unique experience, from the clarity of the V60 to the full-bodied flavor of the French Press.

Want to experiment? Try different grind sizes, ratios, and water temperatures to fine-tune your brew and find your perfect cup! ☕