How to brew Yunnan small-grain coffee beans? Flavor and taste of Yunnan Catimor coffee beans

Yunnan small-grain coffee is a famous coffee in China, produced in the high-altitude mountainous areas of Yunnan at elevations of 1,000 to 1,400 meters, mainly distributed in Lincang, Baoshan, Simao, Xishuangbanna, Dehong, and other prefectures.Among them, Baoshan is recognized as the best origin for Yunnan small-grain coffee due to its highest altitude, above 1200 meters, with an average temperature of 21.5°C, reaching up to 40.4°C, and virtually no frost throughout the year.Yunnan coffee is generally described as strong but not bitter, fragrant but not overpowering, with small and evenly sized beans, rich and mellow flavors, and a fruity note.So how should you brew it to make it taste good?

First, you need to choose high-quality, freshly roasted Yunnan small-grain coffee beans.

The quality of coffee beans mainly depends on the coffee bean information sheet. Typically, when purchasing whole coffee beans, the information sheet will clearly indicate the bean variety, growing altitude, processing method, flavor description, and roast date.

Coffee variety determines the basic flavor of the coffee bean.Generally, we believe that 70% of a coffee bean’s flavor comes from its variety, followed by processing and roasting, with the remaining portion influenced by brewing methods.Since Yunnan mainly plants the Catimor variety (which accounts for 95%), the Yunnan small-grain coffee referred to in the market means the Catimor variety.Front Street Coffee’s Yunnan small beans are selected from the Baoshan growing area at altitudes above 1200 meters, using the Catimor variety. However, instead of opting for the trendy special processing methods that have gained popularity in Yunnan over the past two years, Front Street chose the traditional washed process. This approach aims to highlight the most authentic flavor of Yunnan small beans, reflecting the essence of specialty coffee.It was precisely to experience the basic regional flavors of the Yunnan producing area that Qianjie Coffee selected washed-processed beans and applied medium-dark roasting to highlight its sweetness.Qianjie Coffee’s hand brewing parameters and method: Filter: Hario V60; Coffee dosage: 15 grams; Water temperature: 90°C; Grind size: Medium-fine (80% passing rate through China Standard No. 20 sieve); Coffee-to-water ratio: 1:15; Multi-stage extraction.First, bloom with 30 grams of water for 30 seconds, then pour water in a small stream centered to reach 125 grams in the first pour. When the water level drops and is about to expose the coffee bed, continue pouring to 225 grams and stop. Remove the filter when the water level is about to expose the coffee bed again. (Start timing the bloom.) The total extraction time is in minutes.

The above is an introduction to brewing Yunnan small-grain coffee. Next, we’ll also introduce other varieties of Yunnan coffee, such as Qianjie Tiepikea coffee beans. These are Tiepikea beans grown by Qianjie Coffee in the Lincang plantation, and their flavor profile is different from Baoshan Catimor.