You invested in a bag of premium Aureo coffee. The aroma is incredible, the roast date is fresh, and you are ready for the perfect cup. You brew it, take a sip, and… something is wrong. Maybe it’s too bitter. Maybe it tastes watery and sour.
Before you blame the beans, check your grinder. Grind size is the most undervalued variable in coffee brewing.
Controlling the size of your coffee grounds is essentially controlling time and extraction. Here is how to match your grind to your brewing method for a flawless cup.
The General Rule: Surface Area
Think of it this way: water needs to "wash" the flavor out of the coffee particles.
Finer grind = More surface area = Faster flavor extraction.
Coarser grind = Less surface area = Slower flavor extraction.
1. Coarse Grind (Sea Salt)
Texture: Chunky, distinct particles. Looks like sea salt.
Best For: French Press, Cold Brew.
Why? These methods involve immersing the coffee in water for a long time (4 minutes for French Press, 12+ hours for Cold Brew). Because the water hangs out with the coffee for so long, you need big chunks to prevent the coffee from becoming bitter and muddy.
Aureo Recommendation: Our Bitterroot Coffee Blend shines in a French Press with a coarse grind.
2. Medium Grind (Sand)
Texture: Like regular beach sand.
Best For: Drip Coffee Makers, Chemex, V60 (Pour Over).
Why? This is the standard. It allows water to flow through the coffee bed at a steady pace—neither too fast nor too slow—extracting a balanced cup with good clarity.
Aureo Recommendation: Try the Rock Creek Coffee Blend with a medium grind for a smooth, everyday brew.
3. Fine Grind (Table Salt / Flour)
Texture: Smooth to the touch, packs together easily.
Best For: Espresso, Moka Pot.
Why? Espresso uses high pressure to force water through the coffee in just 20-30 seconds. You need a very fine grind to create enough resistance against that pressure, resulting in that rich, syrupy shot with a beautiful crema.
Aureo Recommendation: For a classic espresso shot, our Cascades Coffee Blend ground fine provides amazing body.
Troubleshooting: The Taste Test
How do you know if you got it wrong? Your tongue will tell you.
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Is the coffee sour, acidic, or watery?
Your grind was likely too coarse. The water passed through too fast and didn't grab enough flavor (Under-extraction). Fix: Grind finer next time. -
Is the coffee bitter, dry, or astringent?
Your grind was likely too fine. The water got "stuck" and extracted harsh compounds (Over-extraction). Fix: Grind coarser next time.
At Aureo, we always recommend buying whole beans and grinding fresh just before brewing. It is the single biggest upgrade you can make to your coffee routine.
Need fresh beans for your grinder? Browse our freshly roasted collection.
