Water is the Element of Balance
Water is the silent ingredient in every cup.
It makes up more than 98 percent of a filter brew and around 90 percent of an espresso, shaping clarity, texture and balance more than any other variable.
At Kanso we see water as an essential part of the brewing ritual, the medium that connects bean, craft and experience.
Mineral Harmony
The character of water lies in its minerals.
Magnesium enhances lively acidity, bringing out citrus and berry notes. Calcium adds softness, depth and body.
Finding the right mineral balance allows flavor to open naturally, neither too sharp nor too muted, but in perfect harmony.
We recommend using soft water with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) value around 50 ppm, whether through a filtration system or high quality mineral water.
Mindful Preparation
Water is more than a brewing variable, it is part of the atmosphere you create. Use clean tools, taste your water, and take a moment before each brew to notice its clarity and texture.
This awareness transforms the technical into something sensory and calm, aligning preparation with purpose.
Carbonate Balance
Carbonate hardness (KH) stabilizes acidity by buffering pH levels.
Too little, and coffee turns overly sharp.
Too much, and the cup becomes flat.
The goal is equilibrium, enough structure to support clarity without suppressing nuance.
Understanding your local water helps you adjust the brew not only through recipe, but through awareness.
Rest and Reflection
Freshly roasted coffee continues to evolve. Allowing it to rest, ideally 10 days or more, lets flavors settle and find clarity.
When brewing very fresh beans, gentler temperatures and shorter contact times reveal softness.
For well rested coffee, higher temperatures and extended pours unlock richness and depth.
Each cup becomes a dialogue between water, coffee and time.
Temperature and Consistency
Water temperature guides extraction.
We recommend between 92 °C and 96 °C for most methods.
Lower temperatures highlight brightness and fruit, while higher ones draw deeper sweetness and structure.
In espresso, consistent water and equipment temperature ensure stability. Preheating your machine and maintaining a warm portafilter can make all the difference between balance and imbalance.
The Kanso Approach
In our coffee bars and at home, we treat water with the same attention as coffee itself.
It is not just an ingredient, it is the foundation of calm precision, quiet craft and mindful enjoyment.
Water defines balance.
Balance defines Kanso.