The French Press: Bold, Timeless, and Built for Flavor

Zona Coffee Company
Jun 29
3 min read

There’s something timeless about the French Press—an old-school brewing method that’s still a favorite among coffee lovers, detectives, and deep thinkers alike. Maybe it's the rich body, maybe it's the ritual, or maybe it's just the kind of coffee that demands your full attention. At Zona Coffee Company, we like methods that strip things down to their essentials. No filters. No machines. Just water, grounds, and time.

But where did the French Press come from? Why does it make coffee taste so different? And how do you actually use it? Let’s investigate.

A Brief History of the French Press

The French Press has roots in—you guessed it—France, but the origin story has a twist. The earliest version dates back to 1852, when two Frenchmen, Mayer and Delforge, filed a patent for a metal screen attached to a rod. But it wasn’t until 1929 that the modern design we know today (glass beaker + plunger + mesh filter) was patented by Italian designer Attilio Calimani.

Over the years, it evolved, passed through the hands of Swiss and Danish manufacturers, and eventually became known worldwide as the French Press, Cafetière, or Press Pot. Whatever you call it, it’s a brewing method that’s stood the test of time—and for good reason.

How French Press Coffee Tastes (and Why)

French Press coffee is full-bodied, rich, and unfiltered. That’s because the metal mesh filter lets more of the coffee oils and fine particles pass through—unlike a paper filter, which absorbs much of the flavor.

Here’s what sets French Press coffee apart:

More body – It feels thicker and heavier on the tongue.
Deeper flavor – Essential oils stay in the brew, giving it more depth.
Natural sweetness – Without the bitterness of over-extraction, the sweetness comes forward.
No paper taste – You're tasting the bean, not the filter.

This makes it perfect for medium and dark roasts, like our 918 Blend Investigator Roast, where you want to experience every subtle note and bold edge.

How to Brew Coffee with a French Press

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown for brewing the perfect cup:

What You’ll Need:

A French Press (any size)
Freshly ground coffee (coarse grind)
Hot water (just off the boil, around 200°F / 93°C)
A wooden spoon or stir stick
A timer

Steps:

Measure Your Coffee
- To keep it simple...use 2 tablespoons (about 10–11 grams) of coffee for every 8 oz of water.
Add the Grounds
- Drop your grounds (course ground) into the French Press.
Add Hot Water
- Pour in hot water evenly, saturating all the grounds.
Stir
- Give it a gentle stir to break up the crust and make sure everything’s immersed.
Place the Lid
- Put the plunger on top but don’t press down yet.
Brew for 4 Minutes
- Start your timer. This is where the magic happens.
Plunge
- Once the time’s up, press the plunger down slowly and evenly.
Pour and Enjoy
- Drink it fresh—French Press coffee loses its charm if left sitting too long.

Final Thoughts: Is French Press Right for You?

If you like bold, oil-rich, smooth coffee that feels more like a full-bodied story than a single sip, the French Press might be your ideal brewing partner. It’s low-tech, high-reward, and absolutely perfect for showcasing the richness of our signature 918 Blend.

So if you're ready to level up your morning ritual, dust off that French Press—or grab one—and start brewing like an old-school detective chasing leads with every cup.