I just purchased an Aerobie Aeropress and a Bodum Bistro Electric Grinder. The latter I haven't used yet because I've been using a pre-ground coffee that I purchased in Barbados.
I'm new to the whole coffee scene and I would definitely like some pro-tips as to what kinds of blends I should get in to. I'm looking for a smooth tasting blend but I'm up for anything. Can anyone help with coffee brand selection?
Also, has anyone made espresso with the Aeropress before?
Although people have questioned the accuracy of the milk frothing in these videos, I think these may be of help for a quick Coffee and Espresso crash course:
I recommend that you stay away from artificially flavoured Coffee; you know the Double Chocolate Death, or the Cherry Cheese Cake flavour of Coffees you see in a supermarket? Avoid those like the plague. They never live up to the taste you want or expect from them, and the natural Coffee flavour is always overpowered. Natural Blends are what you want to purchase.
On the subject of supermarkets, if you can try to find local Coffee Houses or Roasters and purchase your coffee beans from those locations if you can. Not only will the Coffee be more fresh but they are normally of higher quality. Plus if you find a local vendor, they will likely be able to tell you what blends of Coffee will provide in terms of body and flavour.
I'm assuming that you purchased a blade grinder, if you haven't ignore this tip. With blade grinders I recommend either shaking the grinder while grinding the beans, or pulse the beans then shake the grinder and then pulse again. This will help get a more even grind (though not as consistent as a burr grinder).
Keep your whole beans in an air tight container. I have one of these and it works great. I buy two half-pound bags of Coffee at a time, and I keep one half pound in that container and I vacuum seal the second half pound with great results.
Patience! Nobody makes the perfect cup of Coffee the first time, it will probably take you a few tries to figure out how to properly make Coffee to your properly and to your liking. Experiment with grind sizes, steep times, and the amount of coffee you use, you will normally find what you like fairly quickly and if you don't like something, try something new and different!
Hey!
I just purchased an Aerobie Aeropress and a Bodum Bistro Electric Grinder. The latter I haven't used yet because I've been using a pre-ground coffee that I purchased in Barbados.
I'm new to the whole coffee scene and I would definitely like some pro-tips as to what kinds of blends I should get in to. I'm looking for a smooth tasting blend but I'm up for anything. Can anyone help with coffee brand selection?
Also, has anyone made espresso with the Aeropress before?
Thanks.
@RedParka: No coffee suggestions, but the Aeropress will not make Espresso, just really strong coffee.
@MAGZine: Is there any particular reason why it won't make espresso?
@RedParka: Yes, it just can't. (matter of pressure)
Although people have questioned the accuracy of the milk frothing in these videos, I think these may be of help for a quick Coffee and Espresso crash course:
For my personal Coffee tips:
I hope this post was somewhat helpful!
Great! Thanks for all of the tips everyone.
Just a tip since you just purchased an AeroPress.
Experiment with the brewing methods and see what you like. Change the factors (amount of coffee, amount of water, time).
This is my go to, but with ~16 g coffee and 225 g water: http://www.boldbeancoffee.com/learn/brewing-guide/aeropress/
Check out http://www.brewmethods.com/