Looking to up your filter coffee game this year? You’re in the right place. In this guide, we’re sharing our top coffee bean picks for filter brewing in 2025—plus tips on how to get the best flavour from every cup.
Because the right beans don’t just make coffee… they make your morning.
Key Takeaways
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Filter coffee is all about smooth, balanced flavour and clarity in the cup.
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Medium or light roasts with clean, well-defined notes work best.
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Freshly roasted beans, coarsely ground just before brewing, deliver the best results.
- ATB’s top filter picks for 2025: Colombia 08, Brazil + Rwanda 02, and Brazil + Guatemala 01.
What Is Filter Coffee?
Filter coffee (also known as drip or pour-over) uses gravity and a slow, steady water flow to extract flavour from ground coffee. It’s simple, clean, and great for showing off the natural notes in your beans.
Unlike espresso, which relies on pressure and fine grinds, filter brewing highlights subtleties. It’s ideal for people who enjoy tasting origin-specific flavours—like floral, fruity, or nutty notes—and want a more refined, lighter cup.
What Makes a Bean Great for Filter Brewing?
Not all beans are created equal—especially when it comes to filter methods.
Roast Level
Light and medium roasts are your go-to. These levels allow the unique flavours of the bean to shine through, without being masked by heavy roasting.
Flavour Profile
Look for beans with bright acidity, subtle fruitiness, or clean nutty tones. You want clarity, not muddiness.
Grind & Freshness
Always go for whole beans and grind them just before brewing. A medium-coarse grind is ideal for most filter setups—think pour-over, batch brew, or even insulated French presses.
Our Top Coffee Beans for Filter Brewing in 2025
Here are three standout options that we think deserve a spot in your rotation this year:
Colombia 08 – Filter
Vibrant, juicy, and crowd-pleasing. Tasting notes: honeydew melon, raisin, and mango.
Balanced in body and acidity, this is a go-to for slow mornings or smooth afternoon pick-me-ups. Shines in a V60 or Chemex.
Brazil + Rwanda 02 – Espresso (But Brilliant for Filter Too)
Originally designed for espresso, but filter-friendly too. Tasting notes: pecan, sweet orange, cocoa.
Smooth, chocolatey with just enough citrus pop to keep things interesting. Works great in AeroPress, Moccamaster, or drip machines.
Brazil + Guatemala 01 – Espresso (Great for Mellow Filter Lovers)
Tasting notes: milk chocolate, almond, soft body.
This one’s mellow and rounded—perfect for people who prefer a creamy, nutty cup without too much acidity. Ideal for Clever Drippers or office batch brewers.
Brewing the Perfect Filter Coffee: Quick Tips
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Use freshly roasted, whole beans
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Grind coarsely—just before brewing
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Stick to a 15g coffee : 250g water ratio to start
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Brew with water between 90–96°C
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Aim for a total brew time of 3–5 minutes
Filtered water also makes a big difference—cleaner water = cleaner taste.
Why Freshly Roasted Beans Matter
Fresh is best. Full stop.
Fresh roast coffee:
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Has more aroma and complex flavour
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Brews better across all methods
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Releases delicious scent as you grind and brew (a win in any office)
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Retains more antioxidants and beneficial oils
- Supports small-scale roasters and ethical producers
How to Store Your Coffee Beans Properly
To keep your beans tasting great:
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Store them in an airtight container
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Keep them away from light and heat
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Use resealable bags with one-way valves
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If freezing, vacuum seal in small portions to avoid moisture exposure
Done right, your beans stay fresh for weeks—without losing character.
Filter Coffee vs French Press vs Espresso
Each method has its own vibe:
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Filter coffee – Clean, light, bright. Best for tasting origin notes.
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French press – Rich, full-bodied, more oils and sediment. Great for bolder drinkers.
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Espresso – Strong, intense, small doses. Good if you like it short and sharp.
Filter sits right in the middle—a good balance of flavour, smoothness, and versatility.
Summary
If you're looking to enjoy better coffee at home, at the office, or in your café—filter brewing is an excellent choice. With the right beans and a little attention to detail, you can unlock subtle notes and fresh flavours that make each cup feel like a treat.
Top picks for 2025:
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Colombia 08 for fruity vibrance
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Brazil + Rwanda 02 for classic smoothness with a twist
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Brazil + Guatemala 01 for an easy-going daily brew
Experiment with grind size, water ratios, and brew times. Freshness and technique go hand-in-hand with quality beans—and we’ve got plenty of those.
👉 Explore our filter-friendly coffees at ATB Coffee
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use freshly roasted beans for filter brewing?
Fresh beans offer better aroma, richer flavour, and a more enjoyable cup overall. You’ll actually taste the difference.
What grind size is best for filter coffee?
A medium-coarse grind is ideal—it allows for clean extraction and keeps bitterness in check.
How do I keep coffee beans fresh?
Use an airtight container or resealable valve bag. For longer storage, freeze in small vacuum-sealed portions.
Is filter coffee better than French press?
This depends on your taste. Filter is smoother and more refined. French press is bolder, heavier, and more textured.
