When it comes to brewing specialty-grade coffee, great flavor isn’t luck ...it’s balance. Just like finding the perfect line on a powder day, dialing in your coffee-to-water ratio and grind size makes all the difference between a smooth, flavorful cup and one that feels… well, like you caught an edge on ice. At Ski Bum Coffee Co®, we’re all about helping you get the cleanest carve possible in every brew.
The Golden Ratio: Your Trail Map to Flavor
The golden ratio is simple: 1–2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water, or about 1:15–1:17 coffee-to-water by weight.
Not too strong, not too weak ...just a balanced, fully expressed cup that lets the natural flavor profile of your beans shine. And when you’re sipping single origins from places like Bali, Colombia, or Peru, trust us… you want that shine.
Start here, then adjust to taste. Prefer a bolder cup before first tracks? Lean toward the 1:15 side. Want something lighter while warming up at the lodge? Stretch it closer to 1:17.
Don’t Over-Grind: Protect Your Flavor, Prevent Over-Extraction
Every brewing method has a preferred grind size ...but one thing is always true: too fine = over-extraction.
When your grounds are too small for the method you're using, water lingers too long, pulling out bitterness and muddying the cup. It’s like skiing slush when you were expecting champagne powder.
Here’s a quick guide:
- French Press: Coarse grind (like sea salt)
- Pour Over / Drip: Medium (like sand)
- AeroPress: Medium-fine
- Espresso: Fine (like powdered sugar)
- Cold Brew: Extra coarse
If the grind doesn’t match the method, your coffee won’t taste the way the roaster intended ...and with freshly roasted, specialty-grade beans, that’s flavor you don’t want to miss.
Fresh Tracks, Fresh Grounds
Grind just before brewing for the best flavor. Coffee begins to lose its aromatic compounds within minutes of grinding, and those compounds are where the magic ...sweetness, acidity, complexity... lives. Think of it like leaving fresh tracks: the earlier you get out there, the better the experience.
Carve the Perfect Cup Every Time
Dial in your ratio. Match your grind to your method. Brew fresh.
Follow those three steps and you’ll unlock the full character of every Ski Bum Coffee Co® roast ...from bright, fruity single origins to smooth, balanced blends.
Because whether you’re waking up slope-side or fueling up at home, you deserve a cup that hits like a bluebird day after a night of snowfall.
Brew smart. Sip happy. Ride on.
- Ski Bum Coffee Co®
