If you're a coffee enthusiast looking to elevate your brewing game, the Chemex is a perfect choice. It combines style, simplicity, and the ability to brew an exceptionally clean and flavourful cup of coffee. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to brew the perfect Chemex coffee and enjoy an elevated Muskoka Roastery experience at home.

What You’ll Need:

• Chemex Brewer
• Chemex Filter
• Freshly Ground Coffee (We recommend Muskoka Roastery's Loon Call Breakfast Blend, ground to a medium-coarse consistency)
• Filtered Water
• Gooseneck Kettle
  
  
• Scale (optional)

Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions:

1. Boil Water

Start by boiling water. For the best flavor, you’ll want the water to be around 200°F (about 30 seconds off the boil). Use filtered water for the purest taste, as tap water can sometimes add unwanted flavors.

2. Prep the Chemex Filter

Fold the Chemex filter and place it in the brewer, making sure the three-layered side faces the spout. This allows for even airflow. Wet the filter with hot water to eliminate any paper taste and preheat the Chemex. Discard the water before moving to the next step.

3. Measure and Grind Your Coffee

For a balanced brew, the recommended coffee-to-water ratio is 1:15 or 1:16. That means you’ll use 1 gram of coffee for every 15-16 grams of water. For a standard 3-cup Chemex, you can start with 25 grams of coffee and 375 grams of water.

Grind your coffee to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to sea salt. A consistent grind ensures an even extraction, resulting in better flavor.

Using a medium-coarse grind to enhance the citrus, fruity, and well-balanced notes of Muskoka Roastery Coffee Co.’s Loon Call Breakfast Blend, the Chemex helps achieve the smoothest cup of coffee.

4. Bloom the Coffee

Add the ground coffee to the filter, then pour just enough hot water (about twice the weight of your coffee) to saturate the grounds. This initial pour is called the "bloom" and helps release CO2 from the coffee. Let it sit for 30 seconds.

5. Begin Pouring

After the bloom, start pouring water in a slow, circular motion from the center outward, then back toward the center. Aim to keep the water level consistent without overfilling. This should take about 3-4 minutes for a full extraction.

6. Let It Drip

Once you’ve finished pouring, let the coffee slowly drip through the filter. Avoid stirring or agitating the brew, as this could result in over-extraction, leading to a bitter taste.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once the dripping slows to a stop, carefully remove the filter and discard it. Give your Chemex a gentle swirl, then pour your perfectly brewed coffee into your favorite mug. Enjoy the clean, rich flavors unique to Chemex brewing!

Best Muskoka Roastery Blends for Chemex Brewing

While all Muskoka Roastery Coffee Co. roasts work well with the Chemex, we have a few top recommendations to elevate your experience. Besides the Loon Call Breakfast Blend, our other top two picks are SO Bright and Lumberjack. The Chemex brewing method really brings out their subtle and complex tasting notes, enhancing the delicate flavors in every sip.

Why Brew with a Chemex?

The Chemex is renowned for its clarity of flavor. The thick paper filters remove oils and fine particles, producing a cup that’s smooth and free of bitterness. Plus, its sleek design makes it as much a piece of art as a coffee maker!