DEDICATED E-MAIL

March 15, 2006

Coffee 101

Dedicated E-mail: Starbucks Annual Brewing Sale

All great events require proper prep. Opera singers have their scales, footballers seriously consider the virtues of abstinence, and before the Starbucks Annual Brewing Sale, coffee connoisseurs review the golden rules of brew. So, without further ado …

Rule No. 1: Proper Proportions
It’s an elementary equation that’s all too often ignored: two tablespoons of ground coffee per each six ounces of water. If your plans include icing, double the coffee and keep the water the same.

Rule No. 2: The Daily Grind
Choose your grind based on your brewing method. An ideal cup of joe — one that’s rich and truest to its flavor profile — comes courtesy of coarsely ground beans and a classic coffee press.

Rule No. 3: Water Works
Coffee is 98 percent water, so always start with the clean, fresh, filtered variety (which means soft water or well water are out). Water heated to just off the boil (195-205 degrees) yields the most flavorful brew.

Rule No. 4: Stay Fresh
Oxygen, light, heat, and moisture are your beans’ enemies. Keep those babies safe by storing them in an airtight container at room temp. Ideally, coffee should be ground fresh each time it’s made so oxygen can reach more exposed areas for max flavor and freshness.

Got it? Good. You’re ready to proceed to the Starbucks Annual Brewing Sale, where you can sample coffees from around the world and learn to make a perfect cup of coffee at home. You’ve only got from March 14 until April 3.

Now get brewing.