1. Always start with fresh premium beans
Coffee beans purchased within a few days of roasting are at their peak flavor; it’s better to buy small, fresh quantities more frequently than a large amount once in a while (like eggs, or milk). Air, light, and moisture are the enemies of freshness — so store your beans in an air-tight container and keep them in a cupboard or other dark place. And not in the fridge or freezer!

2. Use fresh, cold, pure water
If your tap water is treated, hard, has a “funny” taste, or is anything less than top-notch, consider using filtered or spring water. If you do take your water from the faucet, let it run for a few minutes first to aerate it and flush out the stale water. Coffee is 98% water, and any impurities can give your brew an “off” or flat taste.

 
3. Use the correct grind for your brewing method
Grinding the beans just before brewing delivers exquisite flavor, and it takes only a minute. For a drip brewer, a finer grind is usually called for; with a press pot, a coarse grind is commonly used. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your method. And for what it’s worth, we think that a French Press makes the richest cup.

 
4. Use the right amount of coffee for your taste
We recommend beginning with two tablespoons of coffee per ten ounces of water, then adjusting the amounts to your taste preferences.

5. Make sure your coffee maker is clean
Residues of stale coffee oils and sediments will add an off, bitter flavor. And who needs that?

6. Serve immediately
Never reheat or boil; brewed coffee will lose its quality after thirty minutes if kept on a heated burner, or after two hours in a vacuum air pot or thermos.