Great coffee isn’t complicated ...it’s crafted. Whether you’re brewing aboard your sailboat at sunrise or in the comfort of your kitchen galley, two simple principles will elevate every cup: the golden ratio and the right grind size. At Skipper’s Remedy®, we believe that great adventures start with exceptional coffee, and dialing in these fundamentals ensures you get the most out of every roast.
The Golden Ratio: Your Course to a Balanced Brew
The "golden ratio" is a trusted standard among coffee enthusiasts and professional brewers alike:
1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water.
This ratio gives your brew the ideal balance of strength, clarity, and flavor ...not too weak, not too overpowering. Think of it like trimming your sails: a small adjustment can dramatically improve your course. Start with the golden ratio and adjust slightly to match your preference, your brewing method, and the coffee’s natural profile. A bold dark roast might shine with a touch more coffee, while a bright single-origin may benefit from a lighter hand. The goal? Harmony in every sip.
Grind Size: The Secret to Preventing Over-Extraction
If the golden ratio is your heading, grind size is your keel ...essential for stability and control. Use the wrong grind, and your brew can drift off course. The key is to match your grind to your brewing method:
- Coarse Grind: Ideal for French press and cold brew (like sea salt in size)
- Medium Grind: Perfect for drip machines and pour-overs (like sand in size)
- Fine Grind: Best for espresso (like powdered sugar in size)
Grinding too finely for your chosen brew method can lead to over-extraction, where the water lingers too long and pulls out bitter, harsh flavors. This is the equivalent of sailing with your sheets over-trimmed ...the brew becomes tight, bitter, and unbalanced. On the flip side, grinding too coarse can lead to under-extraction, resulting in a flat or sour cup. Finding that sweet spot ensures your coffee’s natural tasting notes ...whether citrusy, chocolatey, or floral... shine exactly as intended.
Final Tip: Grind Fresh, Brew Fresh
For the best results, grind your beans right before brewing and use freshly roasted coffee. At Skipper’s Remedy®, all of our specialty-grade coffees are roasted to order and shipped quickly so you can enjoy them at peak freshness ...whether you're dockside, offshore, or home on a quiet morning.
Set your course using the golden ratio, adjust your grind with intention, and enjoy a cup that’s as smooth and balanced as a perfect tack.
Fair winds, full mugs, and bold brews ahead.
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