Issue #168 How Water Transforms Your Coffee Experience

Issue #168 How Water Transforms Your Coffee Experience

Hey Y'all,

As coffee lovers, we know that crafting the perfect cup isn’t just about the beans. The quality of water plays a pivotal role, influencing everything from flavor to aroma to mouthfeel. To explore this relationship, I conducted a coffee-tasting experiment using three distinct waters: LOFOTON (low minerality, Norway), A'ura Gold(medium minerality, Romania), and Three Bays(high minerality, Australia). Here’s what I discovered and why it matters for your coffee rituals.

The Role of Water in Coffee Brewing
Coffee is 98% water. Naturally, the type of water you use impacts extraction, balance, and the overall sensory experience. Minerals in water—like calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonates—interact with coffee compounds during brewing. Striking the right mineral balance enhances coffee’s complexity, sweetness, and body, while extremes in either direction can overshadow its natural beauty.

To better understand this, I used three bottled waters with varying mineral contents. The results were eye-opening!

LOFOTON (Norway – Low Minerality)
Mineral Content: Super low TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), providing an exceptionally soft water profile.
-Impact on Coffee:
  -Flavor: Clean and bright, highlighting high-acid, fruity notes. However, the flavors felt slightly muted, as if the coffee’s potential was being held back.
  - Aroma: Delicate and subtle, with lighter aromatics coming through.
  - Mouthfeel: Thin and light, lacking the rich texture many coffee drinkers enjoy.
-Conclusion: LOFOTON’s low minerality creates a crisp, refreshing coffee that excels in showcasing acidity but lacks depth. It’s ideal for light roasts where fruitiness is key, but it may not satisfy those seeking body and richness.

A’ura Gold (Romania – Medium Minerality)
- Mineral Content: Moderate TDS, offering a balanced mineral profile.
- Impact on Coffee:
  - Flavor: Sweet and well-rounded, with enhanced clarity in the coffee’s natural flavors. Notes of caramel and chocolate came to life without overshadowing subtle fruitiness.
  - Aroma: Fuller and more aromatic, amplifying the coffee’s complexity.
  - Mouthfeel: Smooth and silky, with a pleasing richness that feels luxurious.
- Conclusion: A’ura Gold brings balance and harmony to your cup. It’s versatile, highlighting sweetness and complexity in both light and dark roasts. If you’re unsure which water to choose, this is a safe and delightful option.

Three Bays (Australia – High Minerality)
- Mineral Content:** High TDS, packed with minerals like magnesium and calcium.
- Impact on Coffee:
  - Flavor: Bold, robust, and earthy, with darker notes like chocolate and nuttiness dominating. Acidity was subdued but still present in the background.
  - Aroma: Rich and intense, with deep, lingering aromatics.
  - Mouthfeel: Full-bodied and creamy, offering a luxurious texture that’s perfect for indulgent sips.
- Conclusion:Three Bays creates a rich, heavy coffee experience, perfect for dark roasts or espresso blends. It emphasizes depth and body, making it a fantastic choice for those who love bold flavors.

What Did We Learn?
This experiment reaffirmed that water is more than a medium for brewing; it’s an active ingredient. Here’s a quick recap:
- Low minerality waters like LOFOTON brighten and clarify but lack richness.
- Medium minerality waters like A’ura Gold provide balance, enhancing both sweetness and body.
- High minerality waters like Three Bays add boldness, depth, and a creamy mouthfeel.

By understanding your preferred coffee profile, you can pair it with the right water to elevate your brewing experience. For bright, fruity coffees, stick with low minerality. For balanced sweetness and complexity, go for medium minerality. And for rich, bold coffees, high minerality is your friend.

Take Your Coffee to the Next Level
At Salacious Drinks* we celebrate the art of pairing water with experiences—whether it’s crafting the perfect espresso or savoring a delicate pour-over. Each water used in this experiment is available on our website, allowing you to replicate this journey at home. Explore how water transforms your coffee, one sip at a time.

Visit www.salaciousdrinks.com to find these exceptional waters and more. Let’s redefine how we experience coffee—starting with what’s in our cup.

 

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