So, after an extensive chat with my uncle, I've bought an Aeropress. But now I'm stuck on which ground coffee to buy. I haven't got a grinder yet, that's yet to come. As for coffee I like? I like it black, other than that, I'm not 100% sure what to get, I'm going to make a trip to tesco later, so any advice is greatly appreciated!
Altho I don't drink coffee anymore I did use to enjoy Taylor's of Harrogate's After Dark coffee, tastes like Christmas.
If you're going to Tesco/supermarket then you may as well just buy anything, it's all much of a muchness. Wait til you get a grinder then get some real stuff (from wherever - hasbean is a good place to start)
Do you have a small batch coffee shop anywhere near you? They provide some of the best coffee I can get hold of - though it's fairly expensive, but they do grind it for you in store to whatever grind you want - for an aeropress I normally use quite a coarse grind like you would use in a cafetiere. Also - you should consider getting a metal filter for it, I have both metal and fibre filters, the metal actually creates a different flavour and body over using the fibre filters - this is because apparently the fibre ones catch alot of the oil that if you use the metal filter, makes it through. Also, the instructions that come with the aeropress are bonkers and are not what I consider the best way to use it - I put the whole thing with the plunger fully out, upside down (sort of standing up on the distended plunger), put your coffee in, put your water in, leave for 30 seconds - 1 minute, put on filter and do up plastic bit, then flip it onto your cup and push it through. I think the instructions it comes with make you do it on top of the cup and I never had a very nice cup made that way. I don't know if that paragraph makes sense! I got a krups burr grinder last year for about 40 quid, I love it, has worked flawlessly every day since.
Aeropress nerds ITT. I've a metal one too but never really thought it made much of a difference. I get plenty of little beads of oil on top of coffee no matter what filter I use, so I'm a bit sceptical of that /shrug I can see the point of a metal filter if you're using an aeropress in a shop, would pay itself back pretty quickly and less faff Totally with you on that! That's how i've seen coffee shops (ozone & workshop coffee in clerkenwell) do it, too. Also with paper filters, rinse before use!
Probably not the advice you want to hear, but: Firstly, the best thing you can do is wait until you have the grinder! Freshly ground makes the biggest difference of everything if you ask me! Secondly, buy from a coffee specialist, ensuring the beans are only recently roasted (for the majority of coffee) Lastly, enjoy - don't gulp down! Good shout with the aeropress - I've been meaning to get one! Edit: Annnddd, I left the room for 2 seconds before posting and all the good advice has been given!
Shouldn't we have a catch-all coffee thread? Seeing as it's a nerd staple and all that, it would be good to collect all the knowledge together.
Another vote for this becoming the coffee thread. Aeropress is a bloody fantastic shout, had mine for a while now, although have moved onto a gaggia classic. As for actual coffee the hasbean starter pack is a good way to go. Had a friend tell me that alchemy coffee is good too, although I've not had a chance to look that up yet. Sent from a demo handset at a mobile phone store
Thread title changed! Popped round Mum's earlier and she gave me some Lavazza ground stuff. I have no idea how it will taste, but it's free and should get me started.
Taylor's is delicious, I haven't branched into any specialist blends at coffee shops etc, but as far as supermarkets go this brand is the one i've been most impressed with!
