3 Brewing tips for AeroPress

The Aeropress has been a favorite among coffee enthusiasts around the world since it was launched over 20 years ago. Its simplicity and versatility make it one of the most beloved brewing methods on the market. However, with countless recipes and methods available, it can be difficult to know what works best for you. In this guide, we present three practical and perhaps somewhat unexpected tips that will help you maximize the flavor in your Aeropress brew.

1. Press Slowly for Cleaner Flavors

One of the most common misconceptions About about the Aeropress is that hard pressure yields a better result, especially About if you are trying to recreate a espresso-like drink. But there is a downside to this: when you press hard, you push through colloids and undissolved particles that can make the coffee murky, harsh, and bitter.

Why Slow Pressing Works Better

• Even Filtration: The coffee grounds act as a natural filter. When you press slowly, only the most flavorful components are pushed through, resulting in a cleaner cup.
• Softer Texture: A slow press provides a rounder and more balanced flavor profile, without the harshness that can arise from hard pressing.

Try It Yourself

• Do an experiment: Try pressing a brew quickly (about 6 seconds) and another slowly (about 60 seconds). You will notice the difference in clarity and texture.

Result: A slow press yields a cup with clearer flavors, less bitterness, and a smoother mouthfeel – perfect for those who appreciate subtle flavor notes.

2. Let the Coffee “Bloom” for Better Extraction

“Blooming,” or letting the coffee bloom, means pouring a small amount of water over the coffee and letting it sit for about 30–45 seconds before adding the rest of the water. This step helps to saturate the coffee grounds and release carbon dioxide, improving extraction.

Why Blooming is Important

• Prevents Under-extraction: Without blooming, the water can flow through the grounds too quickly, resulting in under-extracted coffee with weak flavor.
• Better “for infusion”: When the coffee is evenly saturated, the water has a chance to extract the most flavorful components.

How to Do It

1. Pour 50–60 grams of hot water (about 90 °C) over the coffee grounds.
2. Wait 30–45 seconds while the coffee absorbs the water.
3. Fill up to the desired amount of water and continue your brewing.

Tip: About if you use the inverted method, where the Aeropress is placed upside down, blooming may be less effective. But for traditional Aeropress brewing, blooming makes a big difference.

3. Experiment with grind size

Many associate the Aeropress with a fine grind, almost like espresso. However, going too fine can lead to uneven extraction, astringency, and a bitter aftertaste. Instead, a somewhat coarser Grind can provide a smoother flow and a more balanced flavor profile.

Advantages of coarser Grind

• Even flow: A coarser Grind allows water to flow evenly through the coffee grounds, reducing the risk of channeling.
• Less bitterness: With coarser Grind, you avoid over-extraction of certain particles that contribute to astringency and bitterness.

How to find the right grind size

1. Start with a coarser Grind than you would normally use for the Aeropress, perhaps similar to what you use for V60.
2. Test and gradually adjust towards a finer Grind until you find the perfect balance between sweetness, acidity, and body.

Bonus: About if you use a really long brewing time, like Jonathan Gagné's 10-minute method, a coarser Grind may work even better because the immersion technique allows for even extraction without percolation.

Bonus: Play with water temperature

Water temperature plays a crucial role in flavor development. For the Aeropress, it is often best to keep the temperature between 80–95 °C, depending on roasting and personal preferences:

• Light roasted coffee: Use 90–95 °C to highlight the coffee's acidity and aromas.
• Medium roasted coffee: Stay around 85–90 °C for a balanced flavor.
• Dark roasted coffee: Go down to 80–85 °C to reduce bitterness and enhance sweetness.

By experimenting with temperature, you can find the optimal way to highlight the unique characteristics of each coffee variety.

Summary:

By using these three tips – pressing slowly, letting the coffee bloom, and experimenting with grind size – you can improve your Aeropress brewing and enjoy a more balanced and flavorful cup of coffee. Remember that the Aeropress is incredibly versatile, and there is no "right" method – the most important thing is to find a technique that works for you and your taste preferences.

Give these tips a try and feel free to share your results in the comments! No matter About whether you prefer light, medium, or dark roasted coffee, there is always something new to discover with the Aeropress.

Do you have your own Aeropress tips? Share in the comments! And don't forget to subscribe to our blog for more guides and tips About on coffee brewing.