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.

Outlines

00:00

😀 AeroPress Brewing Technique

The speaker introduces a recommended AeroPress brewing technique designed for consistent, high-quality coffee with minimal effort. They suggest a starting point of 55 grams of coffee per liter for light roasts, adjusting to 60-65 grams per liter for darker roasts. The setup involves inserting a filter paper without rinsing, and placing the AeroPress over a brewing vessel. The grind size is critical, with a very fine grind recommended for light roasts, closer to espresso range, but adjustments may be needed for medium or dark roasts to avoid over-extraction. Water temperature is also a variable, with boiling water suggested for light roasts and lower temperatures for darker roasts. The brewing process includes saturating the coffee evenly, waiting for two minutes, gently swirling to break the crust, and then pressing with a gentle, even force. The speaker emphasizes that this is a base technique and encourages exploring other methods and adjusting variables like grind size and temperature to suit personal taste.

05:08

😅 Expression of Surprise

In this short paragraph, the speaker expresses surprise, although the context for this surprise is not provided within the script. It could be a reaction to a previous point made, an unexpected outcome, or a personal realization. Without additional information, the exact reason for the surprise remains unclear.

Keywords

💡AeroPress

The AeroPress is a manual coffee maker that is known for its versatility and ease of use. It is the central theme of the video, as the script discusses a recommended technique for using it to brew coffee. The AeroPress allows for a range of brewing methods, and the video aims to provide a reliable and simple approach to making great coffee with it.

💡Technique

In the context of this video, 'technique' refers to the specific method or process used to brew coffee with an AeroPress. The script outlines a default technique designed to achieve a high-quality coffee result with minimal effort, emphasizing the importance of understanding and potentially varying from this technique to suit individual preferences.

💡Extraction

Extraction in coffee brewing is the process of drawing flavor from coffee grounds using water. The video mentions 'high extraction' for light roasted coffee, suggesting a stronger cup, and adjusting extraction for darker roasts to avoid over-extraction which can lead to bitterness. Extraction levels are a key factor in determining the final taste of the coffee.

💡Ratio

The 'ratio' in coffee brewing refers to the proportion of coffee to water. The script recommends a starting ratio of 55 grams of coffee per liter of water for light roasts, adjusting to 60 or 65 grams per liter for darker roasts. The ratio is crucial for balancing the strength and flavor of the brewed coffee.

💡Grind Size

Grind size is the coarseness or fineness of the coffee grounds, which affects the brewing process and the final taste. The video suggests a fine grind for light roasts, similar to espresso, but notes that a medium or darker roast may require a coarser grind to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.

💡Water Temperature

The temperature of the water used in brewing coffee can significantly impact the flavor. The script advises using boiling water for light roasts but suggests lowering the temperature for medium or dark roasts to prevent over-extraction and bitterness, with very dark roasts brewed under 90 degrees Celsius.

💡Brewing

Brewing is the process of making coffee by mixing coffee grounds with water. The video provides a detailed brewing process for the AeroPress, including steps like adding water, waiting for two minutes, and then pressing the coffee through the filter.

💡Swirl

Swirling the coffee in the AeroPress before pressing is a technique mentioned in the script to gently dislodge the crust formed by the coffee grounds, allowing for even extraction. It is a subtle movement that contrasts with creating a vortex, which is not the goal.

💡Pressing

Pressing is the action of applying pressure to the AeroPress to force the brewed coffee through the filter and into the cup. The script emphasizes a gentle and even press, avoiding excessive force, to ensure a balanced extraction.

💡Bitterness

Bitterness in coffee can be a result of over-extraction or using water that is too hot. The script suggests that if the coffee is too bitter, the grind size might be too fine or the water temperature too high, and adjustments should be made accordingly.

💡Sourness

Sourness in coffee can indicate under-extraction or other brewing issues. The video mentions that if the coffee is sour, it could be due to a grind that is too coarse or water that is too cool, and suggests adjusting the grind size and temperature to correct this.

Highlights

The recommended AeroPress technique is designed for reliability and minimal effort to achieve great coffee every time.

A default technique is suggested but encourages exploration and variation for personal preference.

The coffee-to-water ratio is suggested at 55 grams per liter for light roasted coffee, with variations for darker roasts.

A high extraction rate is recommended for light roasts, with adjustments for darker roasts.

Setting up the AeroPress involves inserting a filter paper without rinsing and placing it on top of the brewing vessel.

The grind size should be finer than pour over, but adjustments may be needed for medium or darker roasts to avoid over-extraction.

Water temperature should be adjusted based on coffee roast, with lighter roasts allowing for boiling water and darker roasts requiring lower temperatures.

The brewing process involves adding water and ensuring even saturation of the coffee grounds.

A gentle swirl is recommended after two minutes to break the crust and allow grounds to sink before pressing.

Pressing should be gentle and even, without leaning into the AeroPress.

The pressing process takes about 30 seconds for a 200 ml brew with the suggested grind size.

After pressing, the AeroPress should be cleaned and reset for the next use.

Adjustments in grind size and temperature are key to addressing bitterness or sourness in the final cup.

The video encourages viewers to explore different AeroPress recipes for variety and personal preference.

The presenter shares a link to other AeroPress recipes for viewers to experiment with.

The presenter invites viewer feedback on their AeroPress brewing experiences and any questions they may have.

An upcoming video will cover AeroPress accessories and filtration options.

Transcripts

- In this video, I'm gonna be talking

through my recommended AeroPress technique.

Now this is a technique

that I think will be a great default technique.

You may want to vary from this,

you might want to do other things.

I would recommend exploring the world of AeroPresses

but this is a technique designed

to do sort of the least amount necessary to get

to fantastic coffee reliably every single time.

A technique designed to set you up for success

whenever you brew coffee with your AeroPress.

So let's start at the beginning

with the recipe or ratio that I would recommend

and this, immediately, has a little bit of choice.

I'm using a light roasted coffee

and I like a high extraction here

that will give me quite a strong cup with a lower ratio.

So I'm using 55 grams per liter

or in this brew: 11 grams to 200 grams of water.

Darker roasts, you may not want to extract

to the same extent so I might recommend 60

or 65 grams a liter

and not extracting quite as much from it.

In terms of setting up your AeroPress, not much to do.

Pull your plunger out, put a paper into the paper holder,

there's no need to rinse your filter paper here,

pop it in, lock it in and place it on top

of whatever you're gonna brew into.

You don't have to brew into a carafe.

You can brew into a mug, cup,

whatever you like as long as it's pretty sturdy

'cause you're gonna be pressing on it in a second.

Now, let's talk about grind size.

For this brew, I'm actually grinding really pretty fine,

finer that I would even brew for, say, a pour over.

So getting a little bit closer

to that kind of nearly espresso range.

If you're using a medium or darker roasted coffee,

you may not want to grind this fine.

It will certainly increase your extraction

and strength but it may not taste good.

So there's no one answer on grind size here.

I'm gonna load this coffee into the AeroPress

and I'm gonna boil my water.

Now, one more note on water temperature.

Again, with lighter roasts,

you can go all the way up to boiling

and I would recommend that, however,

for medium or darker roasts,

I would drop my temperature the darker the roast is.

For a really dark roast, I'd be brewing even

under 90 degrees Celsius, down maybe at 85.

For a medium roast, 90 to 95 might be a sweet spot

if you have a temperature-controlled kettle.

Start your timer then you're gonna add 200 grams of water.

Try and get the coffee wet as quickly as you can

as you pour and if it's all wet just pour in the middle

and get up to 200 grams or whatever ratio you're using.

Now, you don't have to use a pour over kettle

like this one, a gooseneck kettle.

You can use a regular kettle, you could use a pot

that you boiled on the stove; it doesn't really matter.

It's just about getting the water in

and getting all the coffee nice and evenly saturated.

Obviously we're gonna move this off our scale,

we're not gonna press on the scale, there's no need for that

and we're just gonna wait for two minutes.

Here's one I started earlier.

When you get to two minutes

what we're gonna do is start to swirl

and it's gonna be a very gentle swirl.

Make sure that you're holding both the piston

and the base of the unit and just give it a gentle swirl.

That's it.

You're not trying to create a vortex in there.

You're just trying to gently knock the ground coffee

that's formed a crust down

so it starts to sink to the bottom

and then you're gonna wait for about 30 seconds

and then you're gonna start to press.

Now when it comes to pressing,

I would recommend being relatively gentle.

You shouldn't be leaning into this.

You should be able to do it comfortably

with your body away from the AeroPress.

So not pressing too hard at all.

Press gently, press evenly

and once you've waited 30 seconds

you're gonna press all the way

until you've pressed every drop of greatness out

of this press, down into the carafe or the cup below.

(coffee dripping)

For a 200 ml brew for this grind size,

that takes me about 30 seconds.

Once you've pressed pull back just a little bit,

that'll help prevent drips, turn it upside down.

Obviously you can clean up now, pop the coffee out,

give it a rinse, give it a clean, reset for the next day

and you've got, I hope, a great cup of coffee.

Now, if it's not a great cup of coffee,

again, it's gonna be the grind size

and maybe the temperature that you're gonna tweak.

If you've got too much bitterness in your cup,

chances are you might have ground a bit fine

or brewed a bit hot for the coffee that you're using.

If you've got a bit of sourness

in your cup, well, the opposite.

Feel free to get to maximum temperature

and try grinding a little bit finer.

Now this, I think, gets you to a great cup

of coffee in the simplest, neatest way possible

with no additional unnecessary steps

but it's not the one way to brew the AeroPress.

So down below, I've linked to a bunch

of other AeroPress recipes.

If you want something that is your kind of daily driver,

your regular brew method, I hope this is it

but if you wanna play and explore and have some fun

with an AeroPress which I think is kind of half the point

then I would recommend checking out how other people use it.

Explore those recipes.

They're all linked in the description box down below

but now I wanna hear from you.

How are you making your AeroPress these days?

What do you like?

What don't you like about the AeroPress?

Do you still have questions?

Because don't worry, there's another video coming.

We'll be looking at both accessories

and all of the filtration options for the AeroPress

but, for now, I'll say thank you so much for watching.

I hope you have a great day.

That is good, that is, that is good.

I mean, I don't know why I'm surprised.