As a vast majority of cyclists enjoy a well brewed coffee, espresso,
macchiato, americano, or anything ending in "ano" "iato." We thought it would be nice to ask a local coffee connoisseur on the art of brewing a great cup of coffee during their morning routine. For this we asked none other than Jason Hall. Jason can be found almost every Tuesday on the Freshbikes group ride.
The Proper Cup
By Jason Hall:
You don't have to have a multi-thousand dollar espresso machine to partake in coffee snobbery at home. All you need is a French Press, burr grinder and some good beans. Here's how to make an excellent cup:
Start with a good quality light to medium roast whole bean at your local coffee shop. Look for beans that have been roasted within the past two weeks as they start to lose their flavor after that. A shiny "perspiring" bean can be evidence of an older roast date. No one likes schweaty beans. Here's a hint, you won't find them at a grocery store....not even Whole Foods. In the NOVA area I've found you can get amazing beans at: NorthSide Social, Cafe Amouri (in Vienna) and the Java Shack.
If you're only making one cup, use 3 heaping tablespoons and grind them on a coarse setting. Only grind right before brewing, or else the Shaolin Coffee gods will not be pleased. Boil a pot of water, take it off the
macchiato, americano, or anything ending in "ano" "iato." We thought it would be nice to ask a local coffee connoisseur on the art of brewing a great cup of coffee during their morning routine. For this we asked none other than Jason Hall. Jason can be found almost every Tuesday on the Freshbikes group ride.
The Proper Cup
By Jason Hall:
You don't have to have a multi-thousand dollar espresso machine to partake in coffee snobbery at home. All you need is a French Press, burr grinder and some good beans. Here's how to make an excellent cup:
Start with a good quality light to medium roast whole bean at your local coffee shop. Look for beans that have been roasted within the past two weeks as they start to lose their flavor after that. A shiny "perspiring" bean can be evidence of an older roast date. No one likes schweaty beans. Here's a hint, you won't find them at a grocery store....not even Whole Foods. In the NOVA area I've found you can get amazing beans at: NorthSide Social, Cafe Amouri (in Vienna) and the Java Shack.
If you're only making one cup, use 3 heaping tablespoons and grind them on a coarse setting. Only grind right before brewing, or else the Shaolin Coffee gods will not be pleased. Boil a pot of water, take it off the
burner for 10 seconds, and pour it over the grinds in "an agitated" fashion (whatever that means). What's the proper temperature you ask? Are you really going to be messing around with a thermometer in the morning? .... didn't think so. 10 seconds off boil.
Swash it around the french press a few times for good measure. If you're brewing a full press, fill it halfway, "agitate," then fill the rest of the way. Wait four minutes and then press in a firm, condescending fashion. Coffee complete.
- Jason
About Jason:
Jason is a category 2 road cyclist competing with the Integrated Sports Medicine / Pyramid Elite Training Systems cycling team. Jason lives in Falls Church with his wife and two daughters and works full-time for Booz Allen Hamilton. To those who know him well, Jason is a die-hard coffee connoisseur.
Swash it around the french press a few times for good measure. If you're brewing a full press, fill it halfway, "agitate," then fill the rest of the way. Wait four minutes and then press in a firm, condescending fashion. Coffee complete.
- Jason
About Jason:
Jason is a category 2 road cyclist competing with the Integrated Sports Medicine / Pyramid Elite Training Systems cycling team. Jason lives in Falls Church with his wife and two daughters and works full-time for Booz Allen Hamilton. To those who know him well, Jason is a die-hard coffee connoisseur.