Caught two baristas arguing over brew temperature at a shop in Austin

One said 195 is the only temp that works for pour over, the other swore 205 brings out more flavor. I just stood there sipping my coffee wondering who's actually right. Has anyone here tested both side by side and noticed a real difference?

3 comments

3 Comments

finley_bennett282mo ago

Hold up. Baristas arguing about brew temperature? In front of customers? That's wild to me. I've been to a lot of coffee shops and never heard a public debate like that. 195 vs 205 is a legit spectrum though, not a joke. Most pro baristas I know stay in that 200-203 range for lighter roasts. Honestly kind of impressed they cared enough to argue about it out loud.

taraw1612d ago

Oh man, "most pro baristas I know stay in that 200-203 range" - that's exactly what I've found too. I did a side by side test myself a few months back with a medium roast from a local roaster and honestly, 202 was where it landed for me. 205 was just too much for that bean, got kind of bitter and harsh, but 195 was totally flat and boring. I mean, it really does depend on the bean like you said, but I think people get way too dogmatic about one temp being the "right" one.

eva_ward882mo ago

@finley_bennett28 nailed it, that's wild they had that debate live. I did a side by side at home with a light Ethiopian roast and the difference was super noticeable - 205 came out way brighter and more acidic while 195 was smoother but kind of flat. Really depends on the bean though, I wouldn't say one temp fits all.