The Ultimate AeroPress Technique (Episode #3)

Summary

The video offers a recommended AeroPress brewing technique designed for reliability and simplicity, focusing on the least amount of steps to achieve great coffee. It suggests a starting ratio of 55 grams of light-roasted coffee per liter of water, adjusting for darker roasts. The guide covers setup, grind size, water temperature, and pressing method, emphasizing gentle and even pressure. Tweaking grind size and temperature can address taste issues like bitterness or sourness. The video encourages viewers to explore other AeroPress recipes for variety and fun.

Takeaways

• 📝 The recommended AeroPress technique aims for a strong cup with a lower ratio, suitable as a default method for reliable, fantastic coffee every time.
• ☕ For light roasted coffee, a high extraction rate is suggested with a ratio of 55 grams of coffee per liter, or 11 grams to 200 grams of water.
• 🌑 Darker roasts may require a lower extraction rate, with a recommended ratio of 60 to 65 grams per liter and less extraction.
• 🔧 Setting up the AeroPress involves inserting a paper filter without rinsing, locking it in place, and positioning it on top of the brewing vessel.
• 🔎 The grind size should be finer than for pour-over, approaching espresso range for light roasts, but may need adjustment for medium or dark roasts to avoid over-extraction.
• 🌡 Water temperature should be near boiling for light roasts, but reduced for medium or dark roasts, with very dark roasts brewed under 90 degrees Celsius.
• ⏳ The brewing process involves adding water to wet the coffee grounds evenly and waiting for two minutes before a gentle swirl to break the crust.
• 🤲 Pressing should be gentle and even, without leaning into the AeroPress, taking about 30 seconds for a 200 ml brew with the suggested grind size.
• 🍵 The final coffee should be enjoyed without unnecessary steps, but adjustments in grind size and temperature can be made to address bitterness or sourness.
• 🔄 Post-brew cleanup includes removing the coffee grounds, rinsing, and resetting the AeroPress for the next use.
• 🔗 The video description provides links to other AeroPress recipes for those interested in exploring different brewing methods and techniques.

Q & A

What is the recommended AeroPress technique discussed in the video?

The recommended technique is designed to do the least amount necessary to get fantastic coffee reliably every time, using a high extraction for light roasted coffee with a lower ratio of 55 grams per liter.

What coffee bean ratio is suggested for light roasted coffee in the AeroPress brew?

For light roasted coffee, a high extraction ratio of 11 grams of coffee to 200 grams of water is suggested.

How does the coffee bean ratio differ for darker roasts in the AeroPress technique?

For darker roasts, the recommended ratio is 60 or 65 grams per liter, and less extraction is suggested to avoid over-extracting the coffee.

What is the process of setting up the AeroPress as described in the video?

The process involves pulling the plunger out, placing a filter paper into the filter holder without rinsing, locking it in, and placing it on top of the brewing vessel.

What grind size is recommended for the AeroPress technique in the video?

A very fine grind size, closer to that of an espresso, is recommended for light roasted coffee. For medium or darker roasts, a coarser grind may be preferable to avoid over-extraction.

What is the recommended water temperature for brewing with light roasted coffee?

For light roasted coffee, water can be boiled, and boiling temperature is recommended.

How should the water temperature be adjusted for medium or dark roasted coffee?

For medium or dark roasted coffee, the water temperature should be lowered; the darker the roast, the lower the temperature, with very dark roasts brewed under 90 degrees Celsius, possibly at 85 degrees.

What is the significance of the two-minute wait time after adding water to the AeroPress?

The two-minute wait time allows the coffee to steep and the grinds to settle before beginning the gentle swirling process.

How should the AeroPress be pressed after the two-minute wait and 30-second swirl?

The pressing should be gentle, even, and without leaning into the AeroPress, pressing all the way until all the coffee is extracted into the cup or carafe.

What is the recommended post-brewing cleanup process for the AeroPress?

After pressing, the plunger should be pulled back slightly to prevent drips, then the AeroPress can be turned upside down for cleanup, with the coffee grounds and filter paper removed and rinsed.

Why might the coffee taste bitter or sour after brewing with the AeroPress?

Bitterness might be due to grinding too fine or brewing with water that is too hot. Sourness could indicate that the grind is too coarse or the water is not hot enough.