The Siphon Brew: Science, Spectacle, and the Art of Clean Coffee
Coffee isn’t just a drink — it’s an experience. And if you’re looking to elevate your ritual beyond the ordinary pour-over or French press, meet the siphon brew: a method that’s part science experiment, part performance art, and 100% flavor-forward.
At NeoBean, we’re passionate about making coffee intentional — from sourcing to extraction. And if you’re sipping our single-origin beans or mushroom-infused blends, you deserve a brew method that brings every layer to life.
Let’s dive into the world of siphon brewing — how it works, why it’s mesmerizing, and how to do it at home.
What is Siphon Brewing?
Also known as vacuum pot brewing, the siphon method dates back to the 1830s. It uses vapor pressure and vacuum suction to brew coffee in two connected chambers — one for water, one for grounds. Once heated, the water rises, saturates the coffee, and then drops back down through a filter, leaving you with a remarkably clean, aromatic cup.
It’s where chemistry meets craftsmanship — with delicious results.
Why Choose Siphon?
There are plenty of ways to brew coffee. So why choose siphon? Three reasons:
1. Clarity of Flavor
The siphon method extracts coffee evenly and cleanly, preserving delicate notes and producing a cup with tea-like clarity and complexity. It’s especially great for specialty-grade beans and Neobean’s single-origin offerings.
2. Theatrical Experience
Let’s be honest — siphon brewing looks amazing. Watching water rise, coffee bloom, and gravity pull it back down is pure magic. It’s a conversation starter and a sensory delight.
3. Control & Precision
The brew time, grind size, heat level, and even agitation can all be dialed in, allowing you to customize your extraction down to the second.
What You’ll Need
To brew with a siphon, you’ll need a few essentials:
- A siphon brewer (also called a vacuum pot)
- A heat source (butane burner or halogen lamp)
- Filtered water
- Freshly ground NeoBean coffee (medium grind works well)
- A wooden paddle or spoon for stirring
- A scale and timer for precision
Step-by-Step: How to Brew Siphon Coffee
Here’s how to make magic in a glass globe:
1. Prepare the Setup
Fill the lower chamber with 300–400ml of filtered water. Insert the upper chamber with the cloth filter already attached, ensuring the chain hangs into the lower globe.
2. Heat the Water
Place the brewer over a consistent heat source. As the water heats, vapor pressure will push it up into the upper chamber.
3. Add Coffee Grounds
Once the water has fully moved up (you’ll see bubbling stop), add 20–25g of medium-ground coffee to the upper chamber. Start your timer.
4. Stir & Brew
Give the grounds a gentle stir to fully saturate them. Allow the coffee to brew for 45–60 seconds.
5. Remove Heat & Watch the Vacuum Work
Turn off or remove the heat source. As the bottom chamber cools, a vacuum is created, pulling the brewed coffee down through the filter — leaving the grounds above.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Remove the upper chamber, give the brewed coffee a swirl, and pour. You’ll notice an incredibly clean, flavorful cup with no grit.
Best Coffee Types for Siphon Brewing
The siphon method shines when used with light to medium roast coffees that have complex flavor notes. It’s a beautiful match for:
- NeoBean Specialty Coffee beans – showcasing global varietals
Even with functional blends like Cerebro Blend or Black Label Cerebro Blend, the siphon can extract layered flavors beautifully without over-extracting bitter notes.
Tips for a Perfect Siphon Brew
- Grind consistency matters – too fine can clog the filter, too coarse under-extracts
- Use fresh, filtered water – it makes a huge difference
- Preheat the lower chamber to speed up vapor formation
- Clean your cloth filter thoroughly after every use to avoid stale flavors
Is Siphon Brewing for You?
If you love experimenting, appreciate ceremony, and want to taste coffee at its purest, siphon brewing is absolutely worth the effort. It might not be your everyday method, but it’s perfect for weekends, guests, or when you want to celebrate a truly beautiful bean.
And if you’re sipping Neobean, you’re already drinking better coffee — why not brew it with a method that does it justice?
Final Sip: The Siphon Difference
In a world where convenience often wins, siphon brewing reminds us to slow down and connect with the craft. It brings out the depth, balance, and nuance that sets NeoBean coffee apart — whether it’s a single-origin roast or an adaptogenic mushroom blend.
So next time you’re brewing, try the siphon. Let your coffee bloom, swirl, and dance — and taste the difference that care makes.
Shop Now:
Explore our Specialty Coffee designed to shine through any brew method — especially siphon.
