Quick answer

Divide your 2 lb bag into smaller airtight portions and store them cool and dark. For AeroPress, start with a 1:14 coffee-to-water ratio and adjust grind and steep time to keep Big Riff's plum sweetness balanced.

Why bulk storage changes the brew

A 2 lb bag lasts longer than a standard bag, so the biggest risk is repeated opening and closing that exposes beans to air and moisture. Portioning protects the beans you are not brewing yet and keeps the flavor more consistent from cup to cup. Big Riff's dried fruit and plum notes are easiest to taste when the beans stay fresh, so storage is part of the recipe, not an afterthought.

Grind and ratio choices that suit Big Riff

Big Riff is designed for espresso but also works as a well-rounded filter coffee, which gives you room to brew it in an AeroPress. Start with a medium-fine grind and a 1:14 ratio (for example, 15 g coffee to 210 g water). If the cup tastes thin or sour, grind finer or steep a little longer; if it tastes harsh or dry, grind coarser or shorten the steep. Because the blend is balanced and stands up to cream and sugar, you can also brew it stronger and add milk without losing the fruit character.

Step-by-step: store the bag, then brew a cup

  1. Portion the 2 lb bag on arrival: Divide the beans into smaller airtight containers or bags, filling each to minimize headspace. Keep one portion out for daily use and store the rest. Label each portion with the date you opened the original bag.
  2. Store portions cool, dark and dry: Keep containers away from the stove, windowsill, and fridge door. A cupboard at room temperature is better than a warm appliance or a damp fridge. Avoid freezing unless you plan to use the whole portion immediately after thawing.
  3. Weigh a 1:14 starting ratio: For one AeroPress cup, weigh 15 g Big Riff and heat 210 g water. Adjust the coffee dose up or down to taste after your first brew. Use a scale; scoop-only dosing makes it hard to repeat a good cup.
  4. Grind medium-fine and preheat: Grind just before brewing to a texture like fine sea salt. Rinse the filter and preheat the brewer and cup with hot water, then discard the rinse water. If the grind feels powdery, go coarser; if it feels like sand, go finer.
  5. Brew with a short steep and gentle press: Add coffee, pour water to the top, stir once, and steep for 1:30. Cap the brewer, press slowly for about 30 seconds, and stop at the hiss. A fast, hard press can add bitterness; slow down if the cup tastes harsh.
  6. Taste and adjust one variable at a time: If the cup is sour or weak, grind finer or steep 15 seconds longer. If it is bitter or dry, grind coarser or steep 15 seconds less. Change only one thing per brew. Keep notes on dose, grind, and steep time so you can repeat your favorite version.

Product facts

  • Big Riff 2 lb: A sweet, creamy and balanced blend with dried fruit and plum notes. These flavors show up best when you store the beans well and avoid over-extracting them in the AeroPress.

    Big Riff 2 lb

    Big Riff 2 lb

  • Big Riff 2 lb: Ideal for espresso but also a well-rounded filter offering. You can use AeroPress recipes that range from concentrated to filter-style and still get a balanced cup.

Next time you open the bag, portion what you will use in a week and reseal the rest before you grind.