BREW GUIDE

BREW TO YOUR STANDARD

A measured French press method for 100% Jamaica Blue Mountain® coffee.

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The method

Precise and repeatable.

A simple French press recipe for a clear, balanced cup.

COFFEE20 g

WATER12 oz / 355 ml

GRINDCoarse

TEMPERATURE200°F / 93°C

TIME4 minutes

Brew time

4 MINUTES Press slowly. Pour promptly.

Measure

Weigh 20 grams of whole beans for 355 ml of filtered water. If you do not have a scale, use about 4 level tablespoons or 12 teaspoons. Spoon measures vary with bean size, so weight is more reliable.

Grind Fresh

Grind immediately before brewing. Use a coarse setting, similar to sea salt, then add the grounds to the French press.

Brew

Heat filtered water to about 200°F / 93°C. Pour over the grounds, stir once, then brew for 4 minutes.

COMPLETE THE RITUAL

The Reserve Ritual

Jamaica Blue Mountain® coffee, with everything to brew it well.

Our classic First Reserve comes with a burr grinder, a 500 ml French press, and a brew guide in our signature gift box.

12 OZ COFFEE BURR GRINDER 500 ML FRENCH PRESS

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JACRA certified. Roasted fresh in New York.

OTHER METHODS

Beyond the French Press

Use these as starting points. A scale gives the most repeatable result; adjust one variable at a time to suit your taste.

01 Pour-over 20 g / 320 ml · medium-fine · 194°F / 90°C · 3 to 4 min

Rinse the paper filter, then add the grounds. Bloom with 40 to 60 ml of water for 30 to 45 seconds. Pour the remaining water slowly in two or three stages and let it draw down.

02 Automatic drip 20 g / 355 ml · medium grind · brewer cycle

Use a paper filter if your brewer requires one. Add 20 g of medium-ground coffee and 355 ml of filtered water, then run the machine’s normal cycle. Pour the brewed coffee promptly.

03 AeroPress 16 to 18 g · fill to 4 · medium-fine · 185°F / 85°C

Add medium-fine coffee and water to the 4 mark. Stir gently for 3 seconds, wait 30 seconds, then press with steady, gentle pressure. Dilute with hot water if you prefer a larger cup.

04 Cold brew concentrate 90 g / 500 ml cold water · coarse · 8 to 24 hours

Fully wet the coarse grounds, cover, and steep at room temperature for 8 to 24 hours. Strain, then begin serving with 1 part concentrate to 2 parts water or milk over ice. Adjust to taste.

For the French press recipe above, 20 g is roughly 4 level tablespoons or 12 teaspoons. Spoon measures vary, so use weight when possible.

IN THE CUP

What the ritual reveals.

First Reserve

Smooth · Balanced · Composed

Smooth cedar, white jasmine, and milk chocolate lead to a clean, composed finish.

Peaberry Reserve

Layered · Bright · Concentrated

Dark honey, soft citrus, and toasted almond create a layered, aromatic finish.

the origin

A reward for the climb.

Grown in Jamaica’s protected Blue Mountain region, where high elevation and a cool climate slow the coffee’s maturation.

Learn the Standard

WORTH KNOWING

Before you brew.

Why grind fresh?

Coffee begins losing aroma and flavor soon after it is ground. Grinding immediately before brewing helps preserve the sweetness, clarity, and aromatic character Blue Vale is meant to deliver.

Why does grind size matter?

A coarse grind lets the water extract slowly and evenly over 4 minutes. Too fine and the coffee over-extracts, producing bitterness and a muddy body.

Why brew for four minutes?

Leaving the coffee sitting on the grounds can continue extraction and change the balance. Press at 4 minutes and pour immediately for the cleanest cup.

Why should I use filtered water?

Water makes up most of the cup, so its quality has a direct effect on flavor. Chlorine, chloramine, and excess minerals in tap water can mute aroma or introduce unwanted tastes.

How should I store the beans?

Keep the bag tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat, light, and moisture. Grind only what you need for each brew so the rest of the bag stays whole until the next cup.

What if I don’t have a grinder or press?

The Reserve Ritual pairs First Reserve with a burr grinder, a 500 ml French press, and a brew guide, so you have what you need for the first brew.

Why does my coffee taste too strong or bitter?

Start by grinding a little coarser. If the cup is still stronger than you prefer, use slightly less coffee on the next brew. Change one variable at a time so you know what improved the cup.

Why does my coffee taste too light?

Use a little more coffee while keeping the grind, temperature, and four-minute brew consistent. That preserves the method while giving the cup more weight.