Need input on French Roast coffee

[snakeoil]

The research i did most coffer drinkers that use them say its the best tasting coffer there are. I probably have all the toys i need. I have coffer gear running out my ears, roasters grinds, chemex, and etc. but french roast sure sounds interesting. If you guys don't mind give me the pros and cons and also those who like french roast what is the best Equipment i can buy.
Thanks for the help

[Dragunov21]

I dunno whose research you've been reading, but this is french-roasted coffee (or close to it, depending on who's definition you're going by).

It's bitter and ashy, IME, and most of the coffee flavour and sweetness is gone too (once again, my experience).

I don't know what method you'd use to get the best out of it; maybe espresso for something bracing, if that's your thing? I can't imagine brewed french-roast being very enjoyable. I've recently come to appreciate dark roasts for machiattos, but that's too dark for me.



*EDIT* Having another look around, it looks like roasts lighter than what I'd expect could be called "french" roasts... I'd suggest just trying a few dark-roasted coffees and seeing if there's anything you like. High-dosed french press or espresso, if I had to suggest something.

[Javaphile]

French Roast is a degree of roasting, not a brewing process.


Java "Perhaps you mean French Press?" phile

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

Or maybe bread fried in an egg mixture?

[Dragunov21]

Think you just decided what I'm having for breakfast tomorrow morning...

[Vinitasse]

I'm still trying to figure out what "roasters grinds" are

[snakeoil]

French Roast is a degree of roasting, not a brewing process.


Java "Perhaps you mean French Press?" phile

Sorry guys i really messed my thread up. That's what i get for not prof reading. what i really meant was french press. i would still like to hear your pros and cons if you could be so kind. I promise i will do better in the future.
Thanks again

[MrJack]

I think whoever it was that told you that french press was the best, lied.

[muppet_man67]

Many people prefer immersion brewing methods over drip filter, personally of all the immersion methods I've tried french press is my least favourite. I never seem to get the same clarity of flavour that I can with other immersion methods that do a better job of filtering the coffee. Clever drippers are able to use an identical extraction method to french press but don't leave the sediment in the bottom of your cup which is why I prefer them.

[Dragunov21]

I think whoever it was that told you that french press was the best, lied.

I think I know the articles he's talking about; they're written for people who don't want to drop coin on an espresso machine or decent grinder and aren't into coffee enough to worry about he more complicated brewing methods.

FWIW I prefer french press to any other brewing method (though since I picked up a metal disc filter the AP comes an equal/close second). I've found siphon/pourover/stock-aeropress/Clover to be pallid by comparison, though it could've been that the places I've had them aren't representative.

[muppet_man67]

I think I know the articles he's talking about; they're written for people who don't want to drop coin on an espresso machine or decent grinder and aren't into coffee enough to worry about he more complicated brewing methods.

FWIW I prefer french press to any other brewing method (though since I picked up a metal disc filter the AP comes an equal/close second). I've found siphon/pourover/stock-aeropress/Clover to be pallid by comparison, though it could've been that the places I've had them aren't representative.

You might be finding that you just prefer a stronger coffee to what you've been served. The trend is too make filter coffees quite weak.
Any method can be strong if you increase the coffee to water ratio and or use a more developed roast. Use cloth or metal filters in any method if you want more oils in your cup.

[Erimus]

CoffeeGeek - How to Use a Press Pot

Sorry guys i really messed my thread up. That's what i get for not prof reading. what i really meant was french press. i would still like to hear your pros and cons if you could be so kind. I promise i will do better in the future.
Thanks again

Just a have play and see for yourself. Made correctly a french press will give a vey acceptable cup of coffee. There are numerous articles all over the web and I'm quite surprised there isn't a "how to" on this site. If there is I can't find it.

[STS]

I'm quite surprised there isn't a "how to" on this site. If there is I can't find it.

What a great idea. I think all brewing/extraction methods have their merits if done well. I think it often just comes down to personal preference. I think that a really good SO coffee roasted a little lighter than for espresso CAN be exceptional in a French Press if well made.

I find the common problem with French Press is over extraction which leads to a bitter horrible brew. Grinding beans too fine, leaving the extraction too long, or failing to decant the coffee off the grinds at the end of extraction are all good ways to destroy what may otherwise be a great coffee.

Sean

[TOK]

Yes, nothing wrong with the humble french press or "plunger". Use it proper like, and it will reward. All up to the operator.

Re "what is the "best equipment". Mate...its just a plunger ! Cheap or expensive...its still just a plunger. Glass bodies tend to break. Stainless steel bodies dont but are heavy and I dont like that you cant see inside as easily....meaning over time that it can get a bit putrid if you are not diligent to clean and /or bother to look inside often. Check the type of filter...that would be more important to me than the body. If as an individual you have delicate sensitivities and are easily offended by getting grinds in your brew, find a unit with a better filter. If you dont mind, any cheap unit will do....its not something that needs to be overly analysed, complicated or difficult.

Otherwise, enjoy. I like it when travelling.