In Medford, Oregon, what’s old is new again. And there’s no better example of this than Limestone Coffee Company, a place where you can get a perfect cup in about four minutes. Invoking the spirit of American chemist Peter Schlumbohm (who, in search of his own perfect cup, created the Chemex coffeemaker in 1941), roaster-owner Clint Orchuk opened Medford’s first third-wave coffeehouse just over a year ago, and it quickly became a city favorite.
For those unfamiliar with the third-wave coffee movement, think of it this way: Third-wave coffee is to Starbucks what Starbucks was to Maxwell House. The movement places greater emphasis on the artisanal qualities of coffee, like what you find with wines or craft beer. At Limestone, for example, Orchuk can trace every bean he gets back to its origin, and since he personally roasts everything in house, he’s able to ensure that what’s going into your cup is as good as it gets.
Located in the historic Wilkinson-Swem building, Limestone is big on atmosphere. Originally a 19th-century meat market, the shop’s exposed red brick walls and loft with circular staircase come together to create the quintessential Pacific Northwest coffee shop. But the main attraction is the long bar that’s topped with century-old reclaimed wood from a shuttered Midwest mill. It’s here where you can get that perfect cup.
Using Chemex coffeemakers and a technique known as the pour-over, Orchuk and his team make each cup fresh at the bar from one of the several freshly roasted coffees on hand. It’s a simple but stylish procedure, and the resulting brew is undeniably delicious.
How to Make the Perfect Cup of Coffee at Home
Recipe from Clint Orchuk of Limestone Coffee Company
What you’ll need:
Burr grinder
Chemex coffeemaker
Chemex filters (these are thicker than typical coffee filters)
Coffee beans
Directions:
In a kettle, bring two cups of water to a boil.
Grind up one ounce of coffee and place it into the Chemex coffeemaker.
When the water starts boiling, remove it from the burner and let cool for 30 seconds, or until it reaches 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Slowly pour the water over the freshly ground coffee.
Transfer the coffee into your favorite mug and enjoy!