Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Octave Coffee's FAQ page, where we're here to answer your most pressing questions about our coffee, subscriptions, brewing tips, and more. If you can't find what you're looking for, don't hesitate to reach out – we're always here to assist!

 

What is French Roast Coffee?

French roast coffee undergoes a prolonged roasting process at high temperatures, leading to a dark and glossy appearance on the beans. This roast is known for intensifying the natural flavors of the coffee beans, often resulting in a bold and smoky taste profile. The extended roasting time caramelizes sugars within the beans, contributing to a deeper, less acidic flavor. French roast coffee is a popular choice for those who enjoy a strong and robust cup with a distinctive, almost bittersweet character.

 

What is Blonde Roast Coffee?

Blonde roast coffee is crafted through a shorter roasting process at lower temperatures, retaining more of the natural flavors of the coffee beans. The result is a light brown or blonde color, hence the name. This roast highlights the bean's inherent characteristics, offering a milder and more nuanced taste with subtle acidity. The lighter roast also tends to preserve a bit more caffeine compared to darker roasts. Blonde roast is often preferred by those who enjoy a coffee with a gentler flavor profile and brighter, more delicate notes.

 

What are the best coffee beans for pour over?

The best coffee beans for pour-over brewing typically have a medium to light roast profile to bring out their nuanced flavors. Single-origin beans from regions like Ethiopia, Colombia, or Guatemala are often favored for their distinct flavor profiles. Look for beans with tasting notes that match your preferences, such as fruity, floral, or chocolatey. It's also essential to choose freshly roasted beans for the best flavor.

 

How many calories are in coffee with milk and sugar?

A common scenario:

1. Black Coffee:
- Black coffee has negligible calories, typically around 2 calories per 8-ounce cup.

2. Coffee with Whole Milk and Sugar:
- One tablespoon of sugar adds about 49 calories.
- A splash (2 tablespoons) of whole milk contributes around 20 calories.

So, a cup of coffee with a tablespoon of sugar and a splash of whole milk might have approximately 71 calories. Adjustments in sugar or milk quantity will impact the overall calorie count.

 

 What is the ideal coffee storage container?

The ideal coffee storage container is airtight, opaque, and kept in a cool, dark place. A container that blocks light helps preserve the coffee's flavor by preventing exposure to sunlight, while an airtight seal protects against moisture and oxygen, which can degrade the coffee over time. Additionally, storing coffee in a cool environment helps maintain its freshness. A ceramic or stainless steel container with a tight-fitting lid is often recommended for optimal coffee storage.

 

What does coffee taste like?

Coffee's taste is influenced by various factors. The roasting process plays a crucial role, with lighter roasts preserving more of the bean's natural flavors, resulting in a brighter and fruitier taste. Darker roasts, on the other hand, often bring out bolder, smokier notes. The brewing method affects extraction, impacting the concentration of flavors, acidity, and body in the cup. The interplay of these elements creates a rich and diverse sensory experience for coffee enthusiasts.

 

Does decaf coffee taste different?

Yes, decaf coffee typically has a slightly different taste compared to regular coffee. The decaffeination process can alter the flavor profile, and some people may notice a milder or less robust taste in decaf. However, advancements in decaffeination methods aim to minimize these differences, making decaf coffee more comparable to its caffeinated counterpart.

 

Why does my coffee taste sour?

If your coffee tastes sour, it could be due to several factors. One common reason is under-extraction during brewing, meaning the coffee grounds didn't steep long enough or the grind size is too coarse. Additionally, using water that's too cold or not using enough coffee grounds can contribute to sourness. Experiment with adjusting your brewing time, grind size, water temperature, and coffee-to-water ratio to find the right balance for a more balanced flavor.

 

How to clean coffee maker without vinegar?

1. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda with a full water reservoir in your coffee maker.

2. Run a brewing cycle without coffee grounds.

3. Pause the cycle and let the solution sit for 15-20 minutes.

4. Complete the brewing cycle.

5. Run a couple of cycles with plain water to rinse thoroughly.

 

How to make coffee at home without machine?

To make coffee at home without a machine: 

1. Boil water to the desired temperature.

2. Choose your preferred coffee grounds.

3. Measure coffee grounds based on taste (1-2 tablespoons per 6 ounces of water).

4. Select a brewing method (e.g., French press, pour-over, AeroPress).

5. Brew according to your chosen method, adjusting steeping or pouring times.

6. Strain or press to separate grounds.

7. Customize with milk, sugar, or other flavorings to suit your taste preferences.

 

How to make iced coffee at home without machine?

To make iced coffee at home without a machine:

1. Brew a strong batch of coffee using your preferred method.

2. Allow the coffee to cool to room temperature.

3. Fill a glass with ice cubes.

4. Sweeten and add milk or cream if desired.

5. Pour the cooled coffee over the ice.

6. Stir gently to mix.

7. Customize with additional flavors if you like.

 

What is the difference between natural and washed coffee?

Natural and washed coffee are two primary processing methods for coffee beans.

1. Natural (Dry Processed) Coffee: In this method, coffee cherries are left to dry whole in the sun until the fruit and the bean inside shrinks. Then, the dried cherries are removed, revealing the beans inside. This process tends to impart a sweeter, fruitier flavor profile to the coffee due to the extended contact between the bean and the fruit during drying.

2. Washed (Wet Processed) Coffee:  Here, the cherries are pulped to remove the outer skin and mucilage, leaving the beans to ferment in water for a period of time. After fermentation, the beans are washed thoroughly to remove any remaining mucilage before they are dried. This method often results in a cleaner, brighter taste in the cup.

The choice between the two methods often depends on factors such as the desired flavor profile, environmental conditions, and local traditions.