The Timeless Elegance of the Chemex: A Perfect Match for Specialty Coffee
By Momotus Coffee Company
There’s something ritualistic about brewing coffee. The gentle pour of water, the earthy aroma that rises with steam, the slow unveiling of flavors — it’s more than just a cup; it’s a crafted experience. At Momotus Coffee Company, where every bean is a reflection of origin and artistry, we embrace brewing methods that honor the integrity of our specialty coffee. And few do it better than the iconic Chemex.
A Brief History of the Chemex
The Chemex coffee maker was invented in 1941 by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm, a German chemist with a passion for design and simplicity. He created a brewing device that was both functional and beautiful — combining science with elegance.
Its signature hourglass shape and wooden collar have earned it a spot in design museums around the world, including The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. But its brilliance goes beyond aesthetics — the Chemex’s unique bonded paper filters remove more oils and sediments, resulting in a cleaner, brighter cup.
Why the Chemex Is Perfect for Specialty Coffee
Specialty coffee, like the small-batch single-origin beans we roast at Momotus, is all about clarity, complexity, and balance. Brewing with a Chemex enhances those qualities by giving you control and precision throughout the process.
Here’s what makes it special:
Clarity in the Cup: The thick filter reduces bitterness and sediment, highlighting delicate tasting notes.
Precision & Control: The pour-over style lets you dial in your grind size, water flow, and temperature to extract the best from each origin.
Enhanced Aromatics: With its open top, the Chemex allows coffee aromas to bloom fully — turning your morning cup into a sensory ritual.
Momotus Coffee + Chemex = A Ritual Worth Keeping
At Momotus Coffee Company, our mission is to take you on a journey from bean to cup. Whether you’re enjoying our bold blends or exploring our Single Origin series, we want every sip to reflect the richness of its origin.
Our Colombia Single Origin is a perfect match for the Chemex.
Its flavor profile is deep, cocoa-rich, and savory, with a full body that lingers smoothly on the palate. The Chemex brings out the richness while keeping the cup clean and balanced — a beautiful brew that speaks to both tradition and innovation.
Chemex Brew Guide (Momotus Style)
The Specialty Coffee Association recommends a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:17 to 1:18, often called the Golden Ratio. This ensures optimal extraction, balance, and clarity — especially for pour-over methods like the Chemex.
At Momotus, here’s our go-to starting point:
Grind Size: Medium-Coarse (similar to sea salt)
Coffee Amount: 30g
Water Volume: 510–540g of water (approx. 17–18 oz)
Water Temp: 195°F – 205°F
Total Brew Time: 4–5 minutes
Pro Tip:
Start with the bloom — pour just enough hot water (about 60g / 2 oz) to saturate the grounds and let it sit for 30–45 seconds. This releases trapped gases and enhances flavor extraction. Then continue pouring in slow, circular motions to complete your brew.
Elevate Your Morning Ritual
The Chemex isn’t just a brewer — it’s a timeless tool that complements the kind of coffee we love to roast. Honest. Pure. Artfully grown. Carefully crafted.
Whether you’re new to pour-over brewing or a long-time enthusiast, pairing your Chemex with Momotus Coffee elevates the everyday into something truly intentional.
