Merry Christmas = Great Coffee?

Santa Claus (a.k.a. Camille) was very kind this year. Again, each of the coffee-related requests were granted including one that actually turned out to be a bit difficult to find: an 8-cup (40 ounce), handblown Chemex (CM-3). On Christmas morning, a vintage (~1980), handblown, 8-cup Chemex with a box of white Chemex filters was found to be hidden beneath some decorative cloaking; the filters are new and were purchased from our hosts along with the Chemex CoffeeMaker Cover.

There were doubts as to whether or not the the brew from the Chemex would be enjoyed because it uses paper filters - not a fan. Upon reading the box that ensconced the Chemex filters, the following statement was noted, "Chemex-bonded filters filter out all the bitterness, sediment and oils: produce a clear, flavorful coffee without fail." Oils? Musings of, "How then can the coffee be any good?" ensued. However, many of you constantly extol the virtues of this brewing method, hence the original Christmas request to "Santa."

This morning, the session of sleep was brought to quiet closure by a cherubic, "There's coffee brewing ..." It was the Bali Kintamani Arabica brewing in the Technivorm (with SwissGold filter), roasted last Friday (12-21) in the RK Drum. Ahhhh ... delightful!

This afternoon, there was a desire for more coffee; a perfect opportunity to try the Chemex. It was decided to brew the Bali since the cup could be compared to this morning's brew. A quick reference of Sweet Maria's tip sheet, grind coffee, pre-wet filter, preheat carafe, heat water in cordless Bodum Ibis (also delivered by Santa), etc., initiated the process. Grinds in filter and begin brewing, allow bloom, continue to pour, patience, continue to pour, sample the aroma of the wet grounds - WOW ... that is nice!

While the brew was being poured into the cup, the beauty of the crystal-clear elixir could not go unnoticed! The olfactory was obsessed as cups one, two and three were filled; Wyatt and Camille anxiously awaited their share too. The decision was unanimous; this is exquisite elixir.

Merry Christmas = Great Coffee!