Method and apparatus for the preparation of hot beverages

An apparatus for producing a quantity of a hot beverage comprising:

• a hot beverage production controller;
• a source of a liquid having an adjustable temperature connected to said controller;
• a selector of infusion time and infusion temperature connected to the controller;
• a valve system interposed between said source and an infusion chamber, said valve system being connected to and controlled by said controller to supply liquid substantially at the selected infusion temperature from said source to said infusion chamber;
• the infusion chamber for infusing a flavour ingredient with said liquid substantially at the selected infusion temperature substantially for the selected infusion time, wherein said infusion chamber has an outlet, said flavour ingredient has the selected infusion time and infusion temperature, and said flavour ingredient dissipates in said liquid thereby forming a brew;
• a dispensing circuit interposed between the outlet of the infusion chamber and a vessel, and connected to and controlled by said controller to discharge said brew into said vessel;
• and
• a mechanical filter disposed for removing an undissipated portion of the flavour ingredient from said brew prior to discharging it in the vessel.