The Most Common Coffee Questions (Answered by a Roaster)

The Most Common Coffee Questions (Answered by a Roaster)

Coffee can be as simple as “add water and sip,” or as complex as a science experiment — and that’s exactly why we love it. Every coffee drinker has questions at some point, whether you’re pulling your first espresso shot or just trying to make your morning brew taste better.

At West Berkshire Roastery, we’ve heard them all — so let’s tackle the most common coffee questions once and for all.

1. What’s the Best Way to Brew Coffee?

There’s no single “best” method — it depends on what you love.

• Espresso: Strong, rich, and perfect for milk-based drinks.
• Pour-over: Clean, bright, and full of nuance.
• French Press: Bold and full-bodied.
• Cold Brew: Smooth, low-acid, and refreshing.

If you’re looking for balance — the kind of coffee that tastes amazing whichever method you use — our Signature Gold blend hits the mark. It’s smooth, naturally sweet, and consistent across brew styles.

2. What’s the Right Coffee-to-Water Ratio?

This one’s probably the most asked question on the internet.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to start with:

• Filter / Pour-over: 1:16 (15g coffee per 250ml water)
• French Press: 1:15 (30g coffee per 450ml water)
• Espresso: 1:2 (18g coffee yields 36g espresso)
• Cold Brew: 1:5 (for concentrate, then dilute to taste)

The key is consistency — use a scale, and tweak until it tastes perfect.

3. What Grind Size Should I Use?

Grind size changes everything.

• Espresso: Fine, like table salt.
• Pour-over / Filter: Medium.
• French Press / Cold Brew: Coarse, like breadcrumbs.

A good grinder is a game changer. Freshly ground beans release more aroma, texture, and sweetness — especially when you’re using a quality roast like Signature Gold.

4. How Much Caffeine Is in My Cup?

It depends on brew style and bean type:

• Espresso (30ml): 60–80mg caffeine
• Filter (250ml): 100–150mg
• Cold Brew (250ml): up to 200mg

Interestingly, roast level doesn’t affect caffeine much — darker roasts just taste stronger, not more caffeinated.

5. How Do I Stop My Coffee from Tasting Bitter or Sour?

If your coffee tastes bitter, it’s likely over-extracted — try coarser grind or shorter brew time.

If it’s sour, it’s under-extracted — go finer or brew a little longer.

Also, water quality matters more than you think. Filtered water gives smoother, sweeter results, letting flavours like caramel and chocolate (hello, Signature Gold!) really shine.

6. What’s the Best Coffee for Milk Drinks?

Flat whites, lattes, and cappuccinos all need a coffee that can cut through milk’s creaminess. Look for beans with a medium roast and natural sweetness.

Our Signature Gold blend was roasted exactly for that — smooth, rich, and balanced enough that you don’t need sugar. It’s the ultimate flat white hero.

Final Sip

At the end of the day, the “right” coffee is the one that makes you smile with the first sip. Experiment, taste, and adjust until you find what you love. And if you’re looking for a coffee that makes every method easy — from espresso to French press — start with Signature Gold.

👉 Discover it here: Signature Gold – West Berkshire Roastery