filter coffee

The degree of roasting and proper preparation of filter coffee have a decisive influence on its flavor. If you use the right coffee and pay attention to important parameters like the grind, you can brew a delicious cup of filter coffee, even without a coffee machine. We'll explain what to look for when ordering coffee and preparing it.
Fruchtiger Specialty Coffee aus Äthiopien

This outstanding washed Grade 1 lot comes from the Banko Gotiti washing station in the Kochere district of Ethiopia's Yirgacheffe region. Under the management of Alemu Bukato, the washing station processes the harvests of around 650 local smallholders. The combination of altitudes of up to 2,200 meters, fertile soils, and abundant rainfall forms the basis for the high quality of this micro lot. The flavor profile is largely influenced by the use of traditional heirloom varieties. These give the coffee the citrus aromas characteristic of this region, as well as floral and herbal nuances of lavender, jasmine, and bergamot, and a tea-like body.

The processing follows strict standards: after pulping, the coffee ferments for 36 to 48 hours in fermentation tanks, is washed, and sorted according to density. The subsequent drying on African raised beds takes 12 to 15 days. To ensure consistent quality, the parchment coffee is turned regularly and protected from intense midday sun and nighttime moisture. Once the optimum moisture content has been achieved, the final drying and sorting takes place in Addis Ababa. Intensive manual selection ensures that only flawless beans are packed in GrainPro bags for export. This careful processing of the green coffee guarantees the highest quality, for which the Banko Gotiti Washing Station has been renowned for years.


Region: Yirgacheffe, Kochere District

Producer: Banko Gotiti Washing Station

Cultivation altitude: 2,100 m

Variety: Heirloom

Preparation: Washed

Preparation recommendation: Pour-over, Aeropress, French Press, filter coffee machine, cold brew, portafilter machine, moka pot

Best Taste Recommendation: 1 - 8 weeks after roasting (Best Before - 1 year)

Body: 3/5

Fruit: 4/5

Flavor profile:

  • Earl Grey
  • White Peach
  • Maple Syrup
  • Finca Hartmann: Tradition, Biodiversity, and Innovation

    Finca Hartmann, a third-generation family-run business in the Santa Clara (Renacimiento) region, is regarded as a benchmark for outstanding quality and sustainability in Panama. Located at an elevation of 1,300 to 2,000 meters on the border with Costa Rica, the estate borders directly on La Amistad National Park. The farm was founded in 1940 by the Czech Alois Strašil (who changed his name to Alois Hartmann on his journey to America—due to the prevailing racism in the United States) and is now run by his five children and their families as an ecological sanctuary. Over 300 bird species benefit from the practice of farming under shade trees, which protects the natural cycle.

    A particular highlight of our selection is the Maragogype variety. It is known for its exceptional bean size and is characterized by a complex, exotic flavor profile. We were able to source a particularly well-processed lot of this coffee. It stands out for its clean acidity and the subtle fermentation notes typical of a dry-processed coffee. Here, notes of orange and citrus interplay with floral aromas reminiscent of rose petals paired with a beautifully integrated bitterness that brings hibiscus to mind. All in all, a wonderful, rare taste experience in the cup.

    We are also very grateful to be able to present a work of art by the wonderful Vienna-based artist Daniel Domig for this special edition.

    Artwork: Standhand, Daniel Domig, 2025

    Region : Santa Clara

    Producer : Hartmann Family

    Farm : Finca Hartmann

    Cultivation altitude : 1500m

    Variety : Maragogype

    Preparation : Natural fermentation

    Preparation recommendation : V60, Kalita Wave, Aeropress, French Press, Chemex, filter coffee machine

    Best Taste Recommendation : 1-8 weeks after roasting (Best Before - 1 year)

    Body : 3/5

    Fruit : 4/5

    Flavor profile :

  • Kumquat
  • Strawberry
  • Rose petal
  • Hibiscus
  • Specialty Coffee co-fermented infused aus Kolumbien
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    Finca El Placer is located at 1400m near Calarcá and is run by Sebastián Ramírez, the fourth generation of his family to do so. Thanks to traditional agricultural techniques and organic fertilizers, they have been able to completely forgo synthetic herbicides. This exceptional Pink Bourbon lot was processed using the Infused Honey method. In this process, the ripe coffee cherries are fermented for 48 hours in sealed tanks with CO2 (carbonic maceration). During this fermentation, natural extracts of fruits and herbal juices are added. The coffee cherries are then pulped and dried with the mucilage for up to 30 days until the desired moisture content of 10% is reached. The result of this experimental processing method is an extremely intense aroma of berries and other red fruits. The Maillard reaction complements the complex fruit aromas with delicate caramel notes from the fruit sugars. A fantastic coffee that demonstrates the great range of aromas that is possible through special processing after harvesting.

    The unique character of this rare coffee is underscored by a beautiful image from the artist Daniel Domig .

    Region : Calarcá, Quindio

    Producer : Sebastian Ramirez

    Farm : El Placer

    Cultivation altitude : 1400m

    Variety : Pink Bourbon

    Preparation : Carbonic maceration, infused honey

    Preparation recommendation : V60, Kalita Wave, Aeropress, French Press, Chemex, filter coffee machine

    Best Taste Recommendation : 1-8 weeks after roasting (Best Before - 1 year)

    Body : 5/5

    Fruit : 4/5

    Flavor profile :

  • Raspberry lemonade
  • Strawberry punch
  • Berry tart
  • Bio Filterkaffee kaufen aus Mexiko

    This well-balanced filter coffee impresses with a delicious sweetness of hazelnut and nougat, paired with a subtle fruitiness reminiscent of apple. The medium roast gives this filter coffee a pleasant cocoa finish. This versatile and charming coffee is a perfect companion throughout the day and never gets boring.

    Unión Majomut, a non-profit organization, unites approximately 1,000 families from 35 indigenous communities of the Tsotzil and Tseltal ethnic groups in the highlands of Chiapas, at altitudes of 900–1600 meters. Organic coffee cultivation takes place on small, family-run farms in the shade among various other crops. The organic fertilizers, diverse flora and fauna, and nutrient-rich soils ensure exceptionally healthy coffee plant growth.

    The cooperative was founded in 1981 by small-scale coffee producers with the aim of improving the living conditions of its members through the production, processing, and marketing of organic coffee and other organic products. In addition to food security, environmental protection and the democratic participation of all members are cornerstones of this cooperative.

    The holistic improvement of living conditions includes programs for the renovation and construction of housing, improved food self-sufficiency, and the promotion of the economic participation of female members. All programs are shaped by the customs and traditions of the indigenous communities.

    Through direct trade with Majomut, the producers achieve a far higher income than when selling to intermediaries and, thanks to the long-term, stable relationship with Süssmund, are independent of the volatile fluctuations of the commodity markets.

    AT-BIO-301 certified

    Region: San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas

    Producer: Union Majomut Cooperative

    Cultivation altitude: 900 - 1600 m

    Variety: Typica, Bourbon, Mundo Novo, Caturra

    Preparation: Washed

    Preparation recommendation: V60, Aeropress, French Press, Kalita Wave, Chemex, filter coffee machine, moka pot

    Best Taste Recommendation: 1 - 8 weeks after roasting (Best Before - 1 year)

    Body: 3/5

    Fruit: 2/5

    Flavor profile:

  • hazelnut
  • nougat
  • cocoa
  • Fincal El Salvador Portillo Filterkaffee 250g Pack

    Rodolfo Ruffatti Battle is a visionary, a friend, and a passionate coffee farmer. On his Finca El Salvador at the foot of the Santa Ana volcano, he cultivates numerous Arabica varieties, from Bourbon, Typica, and Caturra to Pacamaras and Geisha. After harvesting, the coffee is processed in a previously disused dry mill, which Rodolfo has put back into operation for himself and other coffee farmers. This has allowed the local population to retain an important production facility for processing the coffee cherries and has secured numerous jobs in the region.

    This rare Bourbon lot originates from 60-year-old coffee plants, which, while bearing slightly fewer cherries, develop unique aromas due to their advanced age. Rodolfo is a researcher in coffee cherry processing, constantly experimenting and building his internationally acclaimed expertise. For this particular lot, the coffee cherries were fermented for 120 hours in a low-oxygen environment and then dried on nets – this process imparts body, funky aromas, and excellent sweetness.

    In the cup, we taste cherries, berry punch, dates, and a delicate milk chocolate finish. A true delight as a V60, Aeropress, French press, cold brew, or fruity espresso. Enjoy!

    Region: Cerro El Aguila, Santa Ana

    Farmer: Ruffatti family

    Mounting height: 1350 - 1670 m

    Variety: Red Bourbon

    Preparation: Natural Processed 120 hours anaerobic

    Preparation recommendation: Pour-over, Aeropress, French Press, filter coffee machine, cold brew, fruity espresso.

    Best Taste Recommendation: 1 - 8 weeks after roasting (best before date - 1 year)

    Body: 4/5

    Fruit: 3/5

  • cherry
  • Berry punch
  • date
  • milk chocolate
  • Specialty Coffee aus Kenia

    Kenya AA Wamuguma

    We love coffee from Africa—and we’re excited to introduce you to this wonderful, washed AA lot from the Wamuguma Factory in the Kiambu region.

    The Wamuguma Coffee Factory is located in Gatundu South, in northern Kiambu, near the border with Muranga—the area considered the birthplace of Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta. It is one of two washing stations operated by the Ritho Farmers' Cooperative Society, which was founded in 1995 following a split from the larger Gatundu Farmers' Cooperative Society. About 1,700 smallholder farmers bring their cherries here; the cooperative places a strong emphasis on training in good agricultural practices and on actively involving women and the younger generation to ensure the quality and future of production.

    As a classic highland growing region located near the equator, Kiambu offers ideal conditions for top-quality Arabica beans—iron-rich, semi-volcanic soils, abundant sunshine, and growing altitudes ranging from 1,700 to 1,900 meters. The cool nights allow the cherries to ripen slowly—this is where the lively acidity and unique aromatic complexity that Kenyan coffee is prized for develop. The varieties grown here are Batian, Ruiru 11, and SL28.

    The coffee is traditionally processed using the “fully washed” method. After pulping, the coffee ferments for 12 to 48 hours, is washed, and then sun-dried for two to three weeks on African drying beds. It then rests for three weeks in the pergamino before being hulled, sorted, and hand-sorted.

    Look forward to a cup with notes of black currants, rhubarb, and rose hips.


    Region: Kiambu County, Gatundu

    Producer: Wamuguma Washing Station

    Cultivation altitude: 1600 - 1900 m

    Variety: Batian, Ruiru 11, SL28 

    Preparation: Washed

    Preparation recommendation: Pour-over, Aeropress, French Press, filter coffee machine, cold brew, portafilter machine, moka pot

    Best Taste Recommendation: 1 - 8 weeks after roasting (Best Before - 1 year)

    Body: 3/5

    Fruit: 4/5

    Flavor profile:

  • Black currant
  • Rhubarb
  • Rosehip
  • Filterkaffee Lalesa kaufen

    Lalesa – Anaerobic, Gedeb

    From the heart of Gedeb, one of Ethiopia’s finest coffee-growing regions, we present this special anaerobic lot from the Lalesa washing station.

    In 2023, Ephtah acquired its own drying station in Lalesa—with over 400 drying beds, it is the largest of its kind in a region that ranks among Ethiopia’s best growing areas. Ephtah’s permanent on-site presence allows the company to foster closer, long-term relationships with the farmers and maintain full control over the processing.

    Seven permanent employees manage the operation; during harvest season, the team grows to about 130 people. Ephtah is also socially engaged: A childcare center for the farmers’ families was opened in Gedeb, and some of the women in the region are part of the “Ama Commitment” program.

    On 3.5 hectares, at elevations ranging from 2,150 to 2,200 meters, heirloom coffee grows naturally in the shade of enset trees, the Ethiopian “false banana.” Harvesting happens from December - January.

    The coffee is processed anaerobically: The cherries ferment for five days in sealed plastic barrels before drying on beds for 13 to 18 days. The coffee is then stored locally until it is transported to Addis Ababa, to the Moplaco warehouse in Gerji—from there, it continues by train to Djibouti for export.

    Look forward to a cup with notes of strawberry, peach, passion fruit, and black tea.


    Region: Gedeb

    Producer: Lalesa Washing Station

    Cultivation altitude: 2150 - 2200 m

    Variety: Heirloom

    Preparation: Anaerob 5 Tage

    Preparation recommendation: Pour-over, Aeropress, French Press, filter coffee machine, cold brew, portafilter machine, moka pot

    Best Taste Recommendation: 1 - 12 weeks after roasting (Best Before Date- 1 year)

    Body: 4/5

    Fruit: 4/5

    Flavor profile:

  • Strawberry
  • Peach
  • Maracuja
  • Black tea
  • Filter coffee from Süssmund Kaffee

    Filterkaffee zubereiten mit Hario V60

    The roasting profile is crucial for the taste

    As a coffee roaster with high standards, we develop a unique roasting profile for each coffee variety, bringing out the qualities of the respective green coffee. Filter coffees are generally roasted for a shorter time than espresso beans. Furthermore, the final temperature is lower, and the development time (beginning at the first crack) represents a smaller proportion of the total roasting time. This results in the coffee beans being lighter in color than dark espresso beans and exhibiting less roasted aroma. Especially with filter coffee, the roasted aroma tends to be distracting, as it would overpower the delicate sweetness and complex acidity in filter coffee. Therefore, the filter coffee varieties are categorized as "Fruity & Complex" and "Balanced & Sweet." With the right roast, the growing region and processing method can be tasted.

    While we recommend light roasts for filter coffee, there's nothing wrong with preparing an espresso roast as a filter coffee. The more intense roasted aroma makes the coffee more intense. However, the caffeine content doesn't change depending on the roast profile; the variety and preparation alone determine the coffee's caffeine content. Conversely, a filter coffee roast can also be prepared as an espresso. The light roast tastes fruitier as an espresso, with intense acidity, but less roasted aroma than an espresso roast.

    Filter coffee brewing is particularly well-suited to experimenting with different roast profiles, grind sizes, water temperatures, brewing ratios (water:coffee), and pouring techniques. Since brewing time is one of the key factors for good taste, you should always grind the coffee fresh using your own coffee grinder. This is the only way to have absolute control over the extraction.

    Filterkaffee im Handfilter zubereiten in der Hario V60

    Filter coffee or the phoenix from the ashes

    Filter coffee was long considered an undesirable coffee beverage that gradually fell out of fashion. With the rise of the coffee-to-go culture in the 1990s, it fell behind cappuccino and caffè latte. However, in recent years, filter coffee has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, and not only in Scandinavia, where the world's most filter coffee is consumed per capita.

    Filter coffee is actually an umbrella term for several preparation methods. In German, the term usually refers to coffee from a filter coffee machine or coffee brewed by hand using a V60. The first paper filter entered the coffee world in 1907, when Melitta Benz experimented with her son's blotting paper. When filter paper was patented a year later, the rise of today's Melitta coffee empire and the triumph of filter coffee began.

    Over 100 years later, particularly high-quality green coffees are lightly roasted and prepared as filter coffee. This allows unique flavors to emerge optimally. The popularity of the Brewer's Cup filter coffee championships has also given new impetus to the movement. Furthermore, the initial investment for preparing filter coffee is significantly lower than for a fully automatic coffee machine or espresso machine. All in all, filter coffee opens the door to coffee's versatility and invites experimentation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What makes good filter coffee?

    Compared to espresso from portafilter machines or fully automatic coffee machines, filter coffee is more watery in terms of caffeine content, but not necessarily weaker. Filter coffee per se is therefore not a "weak coffee," even if the drink is less dense than espresso due to the larger amount of water.
    Due to pressure-free brewing, the coffee is extracted floating in the water for 2:30–5 minutes, depending on the brewing method, and then filtered through a paper, metal, or cotton filter. Depending on the filter used, more or less sediment will remain in the beverage, which will be noticeable in the body of the filter coffee. To make a delicious cup of filter coffee, important parameters must be observed. These include, above all, the correct grind size, the amount of coffee, the amount of water, the water temperature, and, of course, the selection of the right coffee beans.
    The flavor diversity of filter coffee is particularly great, which is why national and international filter coffee championships (Brewer's Cup) have developed. Our master roaster and founder of Süssmund Kaffee, Nikolaus, has already won the Austrian Brewer's Cup twice with his home-roasted coffee. Perhaps you, too, can become fascinated by the world of filter coffee, ideally with a sample pack.

    How can I make filter coffee?

    You have the most control over filter coffee preparation with manual brewing methods. These include hand filter brewing, French press, Aeropress, and many more. We've written detailed instructions for each method. With these brewing methods, you generally have full control over the flow rate and agitation of the water, which are important for extraction. Filter coffee machines can also produce good results, provided the water temperature can be manually adjusted, blooming of the coffee bed is possible, and the coffee machine's shower distributes the water evenly in the coffee filter.

    How long does filter coffee take?

    The time required to brew filter coffee varies depending on the preparation method. While filter coffee prepared using a hand-held filter (such as a V60 from Hario or Chemex) takes 2:30 to 3:00 minutes, filter coffee prepared using a French press takes 4:00 to 5:00 minutes. The extraction time can be compared to that of tea. Due to the different grind sizes depending on the preparation method, there are slight variations in how quickly you can enjoy your cup of filter coffee.