The AeroPress is a versatile device in itself. You can brew light bodied coffees in it while pulling shots of faux espresso. This invention by Alan Adler changed the mechanics of coffee brewing. The mechanics of coffee brewing was minimised and simpler devices took inspiration from this invention, heralding a decade of devices such as Flair espresso, the Rok and many more syringe pressure based devices.
Let's cut through all that noise and come back to brewing with an AeroPress. There are two ways to brew using an AeroPress: the traditional way and the inverted method. Now, I will be guiding you to brew an inverted AeroPress.
The AeroPress yields a well balanced medium bodied coffee. The brewing time is moderate (~1.5 minutes) and hence, medium sized grounds are used. This coffee maker can be used with all types of coffee roasts but performs pretty well with the lighter roasts. Estimated Time: 2 minutes Equipment Required:
(Note: Refer to the picture below for descriptors used in this guide)
Optional:
Weighing scale (for accurate measurements)
Gooseneck kettle (for controlled pouring)
Brewing Parameters:
Coffee = 15 gms of coffee
Grind size = 5/10 (1=very fine, 10=very coarse)
Water = 250 ml of water
Water Temp = 85-88° C of water temperature
Brewing Time = 90-100 sec
Brewing Style = (Bloom | 30 sec | 40 ml) followed by (Second Pour | 20 sec | 210 ml)
(Note: brewing parameters are calculated wrt weight of coffee in grams) Side note: Click here for a specially curated Indian Indie playlist for a brilliant inverted AeroPress
Steps:
1. Ensure that you have the following equipment in place to start brewing.
2. Fix the plunger into the chamber as shown below.
3. Pour warm water into the inverted AeroPress to pre-heat it. Then throw the water away.
4. Add 15 gms of medium fine coffee grounds to the inverted AeroPress. Ensure that the coffee bed is flat for a uniform extraction.
5. Tare the weighing scale and prepare to brew.
6. For brewing, a water temperature of 85-88° C is ideal. If you don't have a temperature gauge, let the water sit for 45-60 sec after boiling to get to the ideal temperature.
7. Please note that in case of an AeroPress, you do not need to pour in a clockwise or anti-clockwise pattern. Doing so can help maintain a uniform temperature profile but is not a point of caution here. The first pour may require you to follow a pattern so that all the grounds are wet.
8. Pour upto 40 ml of water in the first pour to allow for the bloom phase. Wait till the 30 second mark for the second pour (Time stamp: 30 seconds)
9. Pour the rest of the 210 ml of water in the next 20 seconds (Time stamp: 50 seconds)
10. Use the stirrer to agitate the brew. Move it in circles 8-10 times ensuring that it is not too aggressive to avoid over-extraction. (Time stamp: 55 seconds)
11. Put the filter paper into the filter cap. Pour warm water to rinse the filter of its papery taste. It also helps pre-heat the decanter/glass.
12. Fit the filter cap on the top of the inverted AeroPress. Put a glass on top on it and slowly invert the AeroPress to its normal orientation - filter cap down. (Time stamp: 60 seconds)
13. Use the palm of your hand or your forearm to push the plunger through the chamber slowly. The target time to complete the brewing process is 90-100 seconds.
14. Let the drink sit for 30 seconds. Then enjoy!
Learn about how to perfect your AeroPress here (Coming soon)
Suggested YouTube tutorials:
The AeroPress - Inverted Method by Orange Cactus Coffee - Click here
How to Brew the AeroPress (Inverted with Bloom) by The Roasters Pack - Click here
Aeropress Perfection by Andy Milne - Click here
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