Overheard a barista say something about water temp that blew my mind

I was at a shop in Portland last weekend and this guy at the counter said most people brew way too hot. He said 200 degrees instead of 212 makes a huge difference for lighter roasts. I went home and tried it with my old kettle, just letting it sit 30 seconds after boiling. The cup was smoother and not bitter at all. Anyone else try adjusting water temp and notice a big change?

2 comments

2 Comments

dylanward1h ago

Right?? I had the same revelation a few months ago! I always used boiling water for everything and wondered why my lighter roasts tasted so burnt and bitter. Now I let it cool for like 45 seconds and it's night and day.

noahclark1h ago

45 seconds seems like forever but I guess that's the magic number, @dylanward.