The Art of Patience: How Long Should You Rest Your Coffee Before Sipping?

Coffee lovers, gather 'round, because today we're diving into a topic that's been the subject of much debate in the world of java enthusiasts – the waiting game. Yes, we're talking about the art of resting your coffee before taking that eagerly awaited first sip.

The Brewing Process

First things first, let's backtrack a bit and understand the coffee journey. The process of creating a cup of coffee is an intricate dance of science and art. Coffee beans, carefully selected and roasted to perfection, hold within them a universe of flavours and aromas. When we brew these beans, we're essentially coaxing those flavours out into our cup.

Degassing and Freshness

Immediately after roasting, coffee beans release carbon dioxide (CO2) gas in a process known as degassing. This is a crucial phase, as freshly roasted coffee can contain an excess of CO2, and brewing with overly gassy coffee can result in a rather bubbly and uneven extraction. In simpler terms, your coffee may taste a bit... off.

The Waiting Game

So, how long should you wait before indulging in your brew? It depends on various factors, including the roast level, brewing method, and personal preference. Here's a general guideline:

Light Roasts: These often benefit from a shorter rest period, usually around 2-4 days. Lighter roasts tend to be more acidic and may display fruitier, floral, and tea-like characteristics that can be highlighted by minimal resting.

Medium Roasts: A resting time of 4-7 days is typically ideal for medium roasts. During this time, the flavours can mellow out and harmonise. 

Dark Roasts: Dark roasts, which are richer and oilier, can benefit from a slightly longer resting period, generally around 7-14 days. This gives the oils and flavours time to settle and balance.

Espresso: Espresso lovers, you're in for a wait. A resting period of 5-14 days is common for espresso blends, as it allows for better consistency and flavour development.

Experimentation is Key

The fun part of coffee is that there's no one-size-fits-all answer. You can experiment and find your sweet spot. Try sipping your coffee at different stages of resting and note how the flavours evolve. It's a journey of taste and discovery.

Cairngorm Approach?

So what's best for our coffee? Well we have found that our filters tend to open up between 4 and 10 days, but wont depreciate much until slowly fading beyond three weeks.

For espresso in our shops we aim for a rest time of at least 14 days, and find that anywhere between two weeks and four weeks is optimum.

In the end, the waiting game is all about enhancing your coffee experience. While there are general guidelines, there are no hard and fast rules. Your ideal rest period depends on your personal preferences and the unique characteristics of the beans you're working with. So, whether you're an impatient sipper or a patient palate explorer, remember that coffee is a journey, and the best cup is the one that brings joy to your senses. Happy sipping!