How to Choose the Right Coffee Beans for Your Brewing Method
Walk into a coffee shop and you’ll see bags labeled “espresso blend” or “French press roast.” While these can be helpful suggestions, the truth is simple: any brew method can work with the right grind size and ratio—but the quality of your coffee beans will make or break the cup. Low-grade coffee will never taste great, no matter how well you brew it.
That’s why starting with high-grade specialty coffee, like the seasonal, small-batch roasts from Steel Oak Coffee, is essential for achieving exceptional results.
We encourage experimenting with all of our specialty coffees across multiple brewing styles. You might be surprised how your favorite bean shines in a method you’ve never tried before. If you’re not sure what flavors you enjoy, explore our Coffee Taster’s Flavor Wheel Guide to help identify tasting notes and choose beans with confidence.
Why the “Right Bean” Isn’t About the Brew Method
- Light roasts excel in pour over methods like V60 and Chemex, but can also make vibrant espresso shots.
- Medium roasts offer balance and versatility for drip, French press, or AeroPress.
- Dark roasts create bold, syrupy espresso and brew rich, full-bodied French press coffee.
Grind Size, Brew Ratios & Method Highlights
| Brew Method | Grind Size | Texture Comparison | Brew Ratio (coffee:water) | Flavor & Method Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | Fine | Table salt | 1:2 (18g for 36g yield) | Intense, concentrated shots that can highlight bright fruit or deep chocolate notes. Read our guide to choosing the best espresso beans → |
| V60 Pour Over | Medium-Fine | Fine beach sand | 1:16 | Precise and customizable, bringing out delicate flavors and bright acidity. Read our V60 pour over coffee guide for the best coffee for pour over → |
| Chemex | Medium-Coarse | Rough sand | 1:16 | Produces a clean, bright cup that highlights floral and citrus notes. Read our Chemex brewing guide for the best beans for Chemex → |
| Drip Coffee | Medium | Granulated sugar | 1:17 | Consistent and balanced, perfect for everyday brewing across roast levels. Read our drip coffee brewing guide to find the best coffee beans for drip → |
| French Press | Coarse | Kosher salt | 1:13.5 | Full-bodied and robust, enhancing deep, earthy, and chocolatey flavors. Read our French press brewing guide for the best French press coffee beans → |
| Cold Brew | Extra Coarse | Breadcrumbs | 1:8 | Smooth, naturally sweet, and low in acidity—ideal for bold chocolatey blends. Read our cold brew coffee guide for the best beans for cold brew → |
Match Beans to Your Taste
- Bright, tea-like notes: Try Ethiopian, Kenyan, or light roasted seasonal single origins.
- Rich, chocolatey comfort: Colombian, Guatemalan or Brazilian medium roasts.
- Bold intensity: Well developed medium-dark roasted blends or single origin offerings from El Salvador or Colombia.
Not sure what you like? Use our Flavor Wheel Guide to explore new profiles and refine your palate.
Steel Oak Coffee Picks
- Versatile All-Rounder: Drift (Signature Blend) — balanced and sweet.
- Rich & Full-Bodied: Galeras (Colombia) — cocoa and nutty depth.
- Bright & Complex: Worka Sakora (Ethiopia) — with tones of field berries and hibiscus.
The Bottom Line
Yes, you can brew any method with any bean if you adjust grind size and ratios—but not all coffee is created equal. For truly exceptional results, start with fresh, high-grade specialty coffee like the small-batch roasts from Steel Oak Coffee. Quality beans unlock the depth, clarity, and sweetness that make every brew method worth mastering.
Ready to experiment? Explore Steel Oak Coffee’s full collection of specialty beans and find your perfect match for Chemex, Cold Brew, Drip, Espresso, V60, or French Press.