Coffee Ratio Experiment: 1:15 vs 1:16 vs 1:17 Tested

It Smells Better Than It Taste — a quiet coffee newsletter where I share what I'm learning about coffee, curiosity, and daily rituals, this channel is an extension of that space: https://www.itsmellsbetterthanittaste.com/ Everyday Beans is about finding joy in coffee: one cup at a time. I’m an engineer turned roaster, a self-proclaimed mad scientist behind the brewer, and someone endlessly curious about coffee — and life. I share my wins, misses, and discoveries so you can explore your own journey through coffee. another one. I've been brewing at a 1:15 ratio forever, but what if I've been missing out? In this experiment, I taste three different coffee brewing ratios side by side—1:15, 1:16, and 1:17—to see how strength actually affects what we taste. The results surprised me, and I discovered that stronger doesn't always mean better. Sometimes a lighter ratio lets you taste more of what the coffee actually is, while stronger brews can condense flavors to the point where you're tasting less, not more. This isn't about telling you which ratio to use—it's about encouraging you to challenge your own preferences and discover what actually works for your palate. Whether you're brewing pour over, drip, or immersion, understanding how ratio affects balance, sweetness, acidity, and overall experience can transform your daily cup. What ratio do you brew at, and have you ever experimented with going lighter or stronger? Drop your experiences in the comments—I'd love to hear what you've discovered about your own coffee preferences. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction: Testing 3 Coffee Ratios 0:52 - Tasting 1:15 Ratio (My Default) 1:21 - Tasting 1:16 Ratio (First Impressions) 2:13 - Tasting 1:17 Ratio (Too Light?) 2:46 - Comparing 1:17 vs 1:15 (Extreme Difference) 3:28 - Second Round: 1:16 Stands Out 4:19 - Why Ratio Affects Your Experience