Beethoven liked his coffee just so, with exactly 60 beans per cup.
The magic number: The specificity of the bean count allowed him to achieve his desired strength and taste. He would also grind the beans himself — believing that grinding too early would compromise the flavour.
The recipe: To replicate Beethoven’s brew, follow these steps:
- Measure out precisely 60 coffee beans.
- Grind the beans to a medium-fine consistency.
- Add the coffee grounds to a French press.
- Heat water to 200°F (93°C) and pour over the coffee grounds, filling the French press.
- Stir the coffee and water mixture gently.
- Allow the coffee to steep for 4 minutes.
- Press the plunger down slowly to separate the coffee
Michael Vincent is the Founder and General Manager Ludwig Van. He publishes regularly and writes occasionally. A specialist in digital media for over 20 years, he has worked as a senior editor and is a former freelance classical music critic for the Toronto Star. Michael holds a Doctorate in Music from the University of Toronto.
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