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What is drip coffee? Explaining the differences between it and other coffees, and how to brew it deliciously.

2025.08.15 (Fri)

      What is drip coffee? Explaining the differences between it and other coffees, and how to brew it deliciously.

      2025.08.15 (Fri)
      What is drip coffee? Explaining the differences between it and other coffees, and how to brew it deliciously.

      Although the term drip coffee is familiar to many people, many do not know how it differs from other types of coffee.
      In this article, we will explain the meaning of drip coffee, its taste characteristics, how it differs from other types of coffee, and how to brew it.
      We will also introduce Sarutahiko Coffee's recommended drip bags, so please take a look.

      Sarutahiko Coffee drip bags / coffee bags here

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      📖Table of Contents

      • What is drip coffee?
      • Characteristics of the taste of drip coffee
      • The difference between drip coffee and other coffees
      • Tools and materials needed for drip coffee
      • How to brew drip coffee
      • Tips for brewing delicious drip coffee
      • 3 recommended drip coffee options
      • My Feelings, Then and Now

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      What is drip coffee?

      Drip coffee refers to coffee extracted using the drip method.
      The word "drip" means to drip, and as the word suggests, the coffee is extracted in a dripping manner, hence the name "drip coffee."
      Whether it's hand-brewed coffee using a paper or cloth filter or coffee made using a coffee maker, both are called "drip coffee" because they both involve pouring hot water over the coffee to extract it.

      Characteristics of the taste of drip coffee

      Drip coffee is easy to make with just the right tools and ingredients: a dripper, paper or cloth filters, and a coffee maker.
      Not only can anyone easily make delicious coffee, but you can also find your favorite flavor by adjusting the water temperature, pouring speed, and steeping time of the coffee beans.

      The difference between drip coffee and other coffees

      There are many different types of coffee available besides drip coffee.
      Here we will explain the differences between drip coffee and other types of coffee.

      ☕Difference from instant coffee

      Instant coffee is a powder made from the liquid extracted from coffee beans that has been dried.
      The appeal of this product is that you can easily enjoy coffee by simply adding water and mixing to return it to its original extract form.
      However, the aroma and flavor will be less intense than drip coffee.
      Recommended for those who want to enjoy coffee easily even when they are busy.

      ☕Difference from espresso

      Espresso is coffee extracted under pressure using a special machine.
      The beans used are even finer ground (extra fine grind) than those used for drip coffee.
      It is characterized by its rich flavor and rich taste, even though it is served in small quantities.
      It is often drunk with milk as a latte or cappuccino.
      To make espresso, you need both a special grinder that can grind the beans very finely and a machine to extract the coffee.

      ☕Difference from Americano

      An Americano is a coffee made by adding hot water (or water) to espresso to dilute it to the same strength as drip coffee.
      Recommended for those who want to enjoy black coffee with a different flavor than drip coffee.
      There is also a drink called "American coffee," which has a similar name to Americano.
      American coffee is a term unique to Japan that refers to coffee made with lightly roasted beans or coffee diluted with hot water.
      Americano is stronger than American coffee.

      Tools and materials needed for drip coffee

      There are many different ways to brew drip coffee.
      This time, we will introduce the tools and materials needed to brew coffee using paper drip, a method that can be easily enjoyed using readily available tools.

      ・Your favorite coffee beans
      ・Dripper
      ・Paper filters that fit the dripper
      ・Drip kettle
      ・A coffee server or pot to receive the extracted coffee
      ·Coffee cup
      ・Measuring spoon
      ·hot water

      How to brew drip coffee

      The general steps for extracting coffee using a paper dripper are as follows:

      1. Warm up the equipment and cups

      First, prepare the hot water.
      In addition to hot water for brewing coffee, you'll also need hot water to heat the dripper, coffee server, and cups.
      Pour hot water into each device, warm the whole thing up, and then discard the water. By keeping the devices warm, the extracted coffee will not cool down easily, allowing you to enjoy it at the perfect temperature.

      2. Place the paper filter and ground coffee beans

      Place the paper filter in the heated dripper.
      For cone-shaped filters, fold the filter along the curve, and for trapezoid-shaped filters, fold the sides and bottom to ensure a firm fit to the dripper.
      After inserting the paper filter, add the ground coffee and flatten it.

      3.1. First time: Pour hot water and let it steam

      Using a drip kettle, pour hot water little by little in a circular motion from the center of the coffee grounds and let it steam.
      Be careful not to let hot water come into direct contact with the sides of the paper filter.
      The recommended steeping time is about 20 to 30 seconds after pouring in the hot water.

      4.2. Second time: Pour hot water

      After steaming the coffee grounds with the first hot water, pour in the second hot water.
      Pour the hot water slowly into the center and continue pouring so that the surface of the coffee liquid gradually rises.
      The key is to pour in a circular motion from the center.
      Adjust the amount of hot water you pour so that the coffee liquid fills the dripper about 7-8% during extraction.

      5.3. Second time: Pour hot water

      Pour the third pour of hot water before the second pour has finished draining.
      Once you have reached the required amount, remove the dripper without waiting for the coffee to drip all the way through.
      If you remove all the residue, it will cause an unpleasant taste.

      Tips for brewing delicious drip coffee

      The flavor of coffee can be enhanced by brewing it properly.
      Keep the following points in mind to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.

      💡 Brew at the right temperature

      The temperature of the water is important for making delicious drip coffee.
      Water immediately after boiling is about 100 degrees, but when extracting coffee, aim for a slightly cooled temperature of around 95 degrees.
      Increasing the temperature of the water will allow you to extract more of the ingredients, while lowering it will reduce the amount, so adjust it to your liking.
      The ideal temperature for the finished coffee is around 68-70 degrees.
      However, the final temperature is only a guideline and will vary depending on the material of the equipment and cup.

      💡Keep your coffee fresh

      Coffee beans lose their freshness over time after being ground, which affects their taste. To enjoy the best flavor, it is recommended to use beans that are as fresh as possible after roasting. After purchasing coffee beans, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
      Storing beans as beans rather than as powder means that less of the surface is exposed to air, making them easier to maintain freshness.
      Grinding the beans in a mill every time you brew coffee will give you a fresher taste.

      3 recommended drip coffee options

      Sarutahiko Coffee sells coffee beans and ground coffee, as well as drip bags that are easy to brew. Finally, we'd like to introduce three recommended products.

      [Dark roast] Daikichi blend

      A well-balanced dark roast coffee with a rounded mouthfeel.
      This is a classic blend that aims to be easy to drink and that everyone will find just right.
      When the cafe first opened, many of its regular customers were office workers, and they wanted coffee to take home as souvenirs, which led to the creation of the Daikichi Blend drip bag.
      It has a mellow and refreshing aftertaste, and goes well with meals.
      Daikichi blend drip bag 5 pieces

      [Dark roast] Sarutahiko French

      This dark roast coffee is recommended for those who want a bitter and robust flavor.
      There is a pleasant sweetness to the mellow aroma.
      It was created with the image of sipping coffee while recalling regretful memories, and leaves a rich, smooth aftertaste.
      This drip coffee is recommended for those who want to make coffee easily but also want to enjoy a proper taste.
      Sarutahiko French drip bag 5 pieces

      [Medium-dark roast] Ebisu City

      This medium-dark roast coffee embodies the sophisticated atmosphere of Ebisu, Tokyo, and the easygoing nature of the adults who live there.
      In coffee, the term "city roast" is said to have been named after the degree of roasting that was popular in New York, but Ebisu City's concept is "What is Ebisu city roast like?"
      Previously, it was only available at the store in Ebisu, but now it can also be purchased online.
      Ebisu City Drip Bags (5 pieces)

      My Feelings, Then and Now

      Drip coffee is coffee that is extracted by pouring hot water over it and letting it drip.
      It takes some skill to pour the hot water properly, but once you get better you'll enjoy the pleasure of creating the flavor you want.
      If you gather the necessary tools and ingredients as we have introduced and brew it using the correct procedure, you will be able to enjoy a richer flavor and a more special taste.
      Once you get used to making drip coffee, try paying attention to the temperature of the water and the freshness of the beans.
      Sarutahiko Coffee offers a wide range of drip bag products that allow you to easily enjoy authentic flavor while maintaining the quality of the beans.
      This time we introduced three popular types, but there are also trial sets that allow you to compare multiple drip bags, as well as subscription-only sets.
      Please see the link below for more information.
      Sarutahiko Coffee drip bags / coffee bags here

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