Lem Butler

Coffee Expert

Lem Butler is a Coffee Expert.

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Forum Comments (2)

How to make the perfect cold brew at home
For cold brew, you'll want to mix coarse-ground coffee and cold water. Then, the best way to proceed is to let it steep in the refrigerator for 24 hours, then filter out the coffee.

One thing to know is that coffee sitting in heat in an urn that has oxygen in it will oxidize, which breaks down the acids in coffee as well as the fats, deteriorating the flavor. To me, this causes a Tootsie Roll-type flavor that is quite distinct. With cold brew, because it is sitting in a container, it is exposed to oxygen, and this oxidation and flavor change takes place.

To avoid this flavor, I like to make flash brew. This is a concentrated brew of coffee over ice. I'll usually do 15-20 grams of coffee to 150 grams of hot water in a pour-over, then pour it over ice. It's delicious, cold, and flavorful.
So what's the right way to make French press coffee?
I love the French press. I always recommend getting one with a glass carafe and a metal mesh filter. To make a French press, put coarsely ground coffee in the bottom of the carafe, then fill it with hot water to the fill line. Next, place the top and the metal sieve on, but don't push it down. Then, let it steep for about four minutes. At the end of those four minutes, press that little knob and the stem that's attached to the filter down into the grounds. This pushes the grounds down and the water that's been extracting the coffee just stays in the top.

Because it's a metal mesh filter, you will get fine particles in your brew. This means your brew will be heavy in body and quite thick. When you get to the bottom of your cup, you might see some grounds in the bottom. One thing I recommend is to pour all of your coffee at once out of the French press. If it continues to sit at the bottom of the press, it will continue to extract. This will make it too strong and bitter over time.

Co-authored Articles (6)

How to

Make Perfect Coffee

Coffee expert Lem Butler explains what you need to do to make the perfect cup of coffee in the morningEach coffee fanatic has to find his own personal favorite. It might take dozens of tries just to get the right bean, t...

How to

Make Iced Coffee

Coffee expert Lem Butler explains how to make iced coffee with the flash brew methodIf you need a little pick me up but it's too hot for coffee, drink it on ice! To make the best tasting iced coffee, start by steeping co...

How to

Make a Good Pot of Coffee

Coffee expert Lem Butler explains the perfect formula for making coffee in bulk without weakening the tasteCoffee is a staple in many households all over the world. It’s great in the morning, after a tasty meal, or ev...

What Does Your Coffee Order Say About You?

Whether you’re a black coffee purist or a pumpkin spice latte lover, your coffee order says more about you than you think! Answer a few quick questions about your coffee preferences, and we’ll reveal what your coffe...

33 Types of Coffee Drinks Explained + Popular Beans

Coffee expert Lem Butler shares what goes into your favorite coffee ordersHave you ever wondered what the difference is between a cappuccino and a latte, or a mocha and a macchiato? You're not the only one! To shed light...

What Your Coffee Order Says About Your Personality

Discover what your go-to order reveals about you ☕Whether you stick to a classic cup of joe or indulge in a cozy pumpkin spice latte, your coffee order says more about you than you think. That’s why we’re providing...