Frequently Asked Questions
Are you hiring?
We are not hiring and we rarely are.
Are donations available for fundraisers or similar?
We donate bags of coffee for fundraising events such as silent auctions for qualifying organizations (primarily nonprofits). We are unable to donate brewed coffee for events.
I'm a local customer. Can I pick up my coffee?
We don't offer pickups as an option currently. It's something we may look into and we will update our FAQs if we do begin to offer this option.
Can I place a preorder for pick up at the Market Square Farmers Market?
We're not offering that as an option at this time. If you need a particularly large order (5+ lbs) and want to pick it up at the farmers market, please send us an email and we can coordinate.
I expected to receive my coffee by now and it hasn't arrived. What should I do?
You should have received an email with tracking information when your order shipped. Please check for that and see what the tracking says. If you still have questions, please reach out to us at info@threebearscoffee.com and we will look into it.
What do you recommend for coffee grinding?
Coffee will always be at its best quality when it is ground directly before brewing. And you will get the best result by using a burr grinder rather than a blade grinder. They cost more, but they yield a better, more uniform result in the grind and they also tend to be more durable.
What do you recommend for coffee brewing?
Your individual preferences will determine your coffee brewing methods, and you may find that you like several different methods.
For those who like a "clean" mouthfeel, brewers that use a paper filter are likely to be more appealing. Some options are regular automatic drip brewers (the most common home kitchen option), Aeropress, Chemex, or pourover brewers such as Clever Dripper or Solo Dripper.
For those who enjoy more notable body and texture in their coffee, brewing methods which allow a result with suspension of fine particulates are likely to be more appealing. Some options are french press, the CafeSolo brewer (by evasolo), or a percolator. Personally, in our own household we nearly always use an insulated french press brewer.
Moka pot and espresso brewing are pressure-based with a quicker extraction time, forcing hot water through finely ground coffee - quite a different process from those above. The resulting brew is concentrated, thick, and rich.
The more you can control the coffee-brewing process, the more likely you are to be able to consistently yield your desired cup. Coffee quantity, grind size, and water temperature (and quality) are the driving factors. Basic tools such as a digital scale and thermometer will significantly benefit your result for any manual-brewing process.
Brewing water should be 192-205 degrees to fully extract coffee's flavor. If your water doesn't taste clean and pure, you should use filtered water. Use the correct grind size for your brewing method. The longer coffee will be in contact with the water, the larger the grind size should be. If given the proper extraction time and water temperature, but you don't like your result, you may need to adjust your grind size. Too fine a grind can result in bitter-tasting coffee. Too large a grind can yield weak-tasting coffee.
While your everyday schedule may not allow you time to exercise your preferred brewing method, using the correct coffee quantity, grind size, and water temperature will yield the best result from any method and help you be a more-satisfied coffee drinker. Taking the time to dial those things in will help you get the most out of any brewer. This may be a helpful resource. https://sca.coffee/certified-home-brewer
