Brewing Method Deep Dive: The Chemex — Where Science Meets Ritual
When it comes to brewing coffee that’s as elegant as it is clean, there’s one brewer that stands in a class of its own: The Chemex. It’s part laboratory glassware, part countertop art—and all about brewing coffee with clarity, precision, and ritual.
At NeoBean, we believe every brewing method offers a unique expression of the bean. And if you’re using our Single-Origin, Cerebro Blend, or Specialty Coffee Passport, the Chemex might be the purest way to showcase their nuanced flavors—and their functional mushroom power.
What Is the Chemex?
Invented in 1941 by chemist Dr. Peter Schlumbohm, the Chemex is made from non-porous Borosilicate glass and uses specially designed, thick paper filters. These filters remove most coffee oils and fine sediment—resulting in a light-bodied, ultra-clean cup that lets the origin and roast shine.
"It’s like a coffee lab experiment—but with soul."
Why Chemex + NeoBean Coffee = A Smart Pairing
NeoBean coffee isn’t just about great taste—it’s also about functional ingredients like Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and Cordyceps that support your focus, mood, and immune system.
The Chemex’s clarity-driven extraction lets these subtle layers come through:
- Bright acids in our Ethiopian Single-Origin
- Dark chocolate and spice in Black Label
- Earthy notes of mushrooms like Reishi and Chaga
With Chemex, you’re not overpowering these elements—you’re elevating them.
Chemex Flavor Profile
|
Flavor Quality |
Chemex Result |
|---|---|
|
Body |
Light to Medium |
|
Acidity |
Bright & crisp |
|
Texture |
Silky, tea-like |
|
Clarity |
Very high |
|
Ideal For |
Light/Medium roasts, Single-Origin, Mushroom notes |
Perfect for coffee drinkers who value transparency, both in taste and process.
What You’ll Need
- Chemex Brewer (6-cup or 8-cup)
- Chemex Bonded Filters
- NeoBean Coffee (freshly ground, medium-coarse)
- Gooseneck kettle
- Grinder
- Scale & timer (optional, but encouraged)
- Filtered water (195–205°F / 90–96°C)
Step-by-Step: How to Brew NeoBean with Chemex
1. Prep the Filter
Fold the Chemex filter and place it with three layers toward the spout. Rinse with hot water to remove paper taste and preheat the vessel. Discard rinse water.
2. Add the Coffee
Use 1g of coffee per 15–17g of water. For example:
-
35g coffee : 525g water for 2–3 mugs.
Grind medium-coarse—similar to sea salt.
3. Bloom (Let It Breathe)
Start your timer. Pour 2x the weight of coffee in water (e.g., 70g for 35g coffee).
Let it bloom for 30–45 seconds to release gas from fresh beans.
4. The Pour
Using circular motions, pour steadily in 2–3 stages over 3–4 minutes. Aim for even saturation, keeping the water level steady but never full.
"Focus, slow your breath. The Chemex is a mindfulness tool in disguise."
5. Let It Drain
Allow the coffee to fully draw down. You should have a flat bed of grounds and a crystal-clear brew below.
6. Serve and Reflect
Remove the filter, pour into your favorite cup, and take a moment. This is intentional coffee
Why It’s Perfect for Mushroom Coffee
The clean extraction of a Chemex brings out the subtle, earthy, and umami undertones of NeoBean’s 8 functional mushrooms—without the heavier body that can mask them in French Press or Moka Pot.
You’ll notice a refined, layered flavor profile that complements both the coffee origin and the functional blend:
- Lion’s Mane – Floral brightness and cognitive clarity
- Chaga – Soft earthiness and antioxidant depth
- Cordyceps – Mild nutty warmth and sustainable energy
- Reishi – Slight bitterness with calming adaptogenic notes
- Turkey Tail – Subtle woody tones, gut and immune support
- Maitake – Light umami character with blood sugar balance
- Shiitake – Gentle savoriness and heart health support
- Royal Agaricus – Mild sweetness with immune-modulating properties
The result? A brain-boosting, immune-supporting brew with flavor clarity that honors both bean and mushroom.
Compare: Chemex vs. Other Methods
|
Method |
Body |
Clarity |
Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Chemex |
Light |
High |
Single-origin, Clarity |
|
French Press |
Full |
Low |
Heavy, rich flavors |
|
Moka Pot |
Strong |
Medium |
Espresso-like, bold |
|
AeroPress |
Medium |
High |
Balanced, flexible |
|
Pour Over (V60) |
Light |
High |
Fruity, high-acid |
Chemex is the slow-living method—ideal for quiet mornings, thoughtful sips, and appreciating detail.
- Single-Origin Light Roasts – Highlight terroir and subtle notes
- Cerebro Blend – Let the mushroom complexity shine through
- Black Label Cerebro Blend – Smooths the boldness for a more delicate profile
Want to try this at home? Start with a subscription and we’ll send fresh beans perfect for Chemex every month.
Final Thoughts
The Chemex isn’t just a brewer—it’s a practice.
It rewards patience, precision, and presence. And when paired with NeoBean’s thoughtfully crafted coffees and 8-mushroom blends, it delivers a cup that’s as functional as it is flavorful.
So, whether you’re sipping for clarity, focus, or calm, the Chemex brings it all into perfect balance—one pour at a time.
Ready to Brew with Intention?
Explore NeoBean blends curated for Chemex lovers:
Or start a subscription to get perfect Chemex-ready beans + mushroom power delivered monthly.
