Golden Cup Standard
The Golden Cup standard is a metric defined by the International Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) to measure brewed coffee quality and identify the best in class:
“Coffee shall exhibit a brew strength, measured in Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), of 11.5 to 13.5 grams per liter, corresponding to 1.15 to 1.35 percent on the SCA Brewing Control Chart, resulting from a solubles extraction yield of 18 to 22 percent.”
This ratio of total dissolved solids (TDS) to water is critical because it’s directly responsible for the flavor of the coffee we taste. The Golden Cup standard is achieved through consistent water temperature, saturation time, and turbulence of the grounds.
Coffee Amount
Grind Size
Water Amount & Temp
Brew Time
Best Brewing Practices
Coffee-to-Water Ratio
To achieve the Golden Cup Standard, the recommended coffee-to-water ratio is 55 g/L ± 10%.
Coffee Preparation Temperature
To achieve the Golden Cup Standard, water temperature, at the point of contact with coffee, is recommended to fall between 200°F ± 5° (93.0°C ± 3°).
Time of Coffee-to-water Contact
1-4 minutes Fine, 4-6 minutes Drip, 6-8 minutes Coarse.
| Gram Scale | 1 gram = 1 millilitre |
| Ideal Water Temperature at Point of Contact with Coffee | Between 200°F ± 5° (93.0°C ± 3°) |
| Coffee-to-Water Ratio | 55 g/L ± 10% |
| Time of Coffee-to-Water Contact | 1-4 minutes (Fine grind) 4-6 minutes (Drip grind) 6-8 minutes (Coarse grind) |
When it comes to brewing specialty single origin co ees with unique pro les,
it’s important to take into consideration the speci c characteristics of each co ee bean.
Here are some tips to help you brew a perfect cup
Choose the right brewing method
Different brewing methods can bring out different flavor profiles in your coffee. Experiment with methods such as pour-over, French press, Aeropress, or espresso to find the one that suits your taste preferences and brings out the unique qualities of the coffee beans.
Grind your coffee beans correctly
Different brewing methods can bring out different flavor profiles in your coffee. Experiment with methods such as pour-over, French press, Aeropress, or espresso to find the one that suits your taste preferences and brings out the unique qualities of the coffee beans.
Control the water temperature
Different brewing methods can bring out different flavor profiles in your coffee. Experiment with methods such as pour-over, French press, Aeropress, or espresso to find the one that suits your taste preferences and brings out the unique qualities of the coffee beans.
Measure your coffee and water
Different brewing methods can bring out different flavor profiles in your coffee. Experiment with methods such as pour-over, French press, Aeropress, or espresso to find the one that suits your taste preferences and brings out the unique qualities of the coffee beans.
Brewing time and technique
Different brewing methods can bring out different flavor profiles in your coffee. Experiment with methods such as pour-over, French press, Aeropress, or espresso to find the one that suits your taste preferences and brings out the unique qualities of the coffee beans.
Taste and adjust
Different brewing methods can bring out different flavor profiles in your coffee. Experiment with methods such as pour-over, French press, Aeropress, or espresso to find the one that suits your taste preferences and brings out the unique qualities of the coffee beans.
1) Open a CHEMEX Bonded Filter into a cone shape
so that one side of the cone has three layers, and place it into the top of the CHEMEX brewer. The thick three- layer portion should cover the pouring spout.
2) Put the grounded coffee into the filter cone. Feel free to use more if you prefer it stronger, Our CHEMEX brewing process eliminates bitterness.
3) Boil the water and remove it from the heat. Pour a small amount of water in a cicular motion over the coffee grounds to wet them. Wait for 30 seconds for them to bloom.
4) After the grounds bloom, slowly pour the little water over the grounds while keeping the water level below the top of the CHEMEX Coffeemaker.
5) Slowly pour the remaining water over the grounds, using a circular motion.
6) Once a desired amount of coffee is brewed, lift the filter with spent grounds out of the brewer and discard and enjoy the perfect cup.
Enjoy the process and savor the distinct flavors that specialty single-origin coffees have to offer!
