Getting More Serious About Coffee

I’ve been somewhat serious about coffee for many years, and I’m settling on some preferences.

If I had to describe my preference using non-expert terminology I think I’d say I prefer stronger brews that are smooth and subtle, with moderate character that emerges later and doesn’t overpower.

Things I dislike strongly:

• weak coffee (if I can see through it we have a problem)

• acidic taste (ugh)

My go-to setup

So to that end I’ve pretty much standardized on an AeroPress.

Why AeroPress

It comes down to preference. That’s not just pretend-coffee-snobbery, it’s truth. Some people like lighter, more watery coffee. I don’t. I like strong coffee.

The AeroPress is basically halfway between a drip and an espresso. But the way I do it I try to not have the sharpness of an espresso. I go for the smoothness in the result.

I’ve not messed with espresso, and I don’t think I care to. It’s too little coffee. I want more to drink, without dying preferably.

And no matter what happens I cannot get a pour-over to have the right strength. Even in coffee shops I feel like it’s a bit weak.

The AeroPress is right for me.

New stuff

So I just read some more top barista competitive analysis stuff, and I think my grind might be a bit coarse. So I’m going to bring that down on my Vario tomorrow morning.

I also just bought 2 pounds of Koffee Kult coffee, which arrived today. I also just received two AeroPress metal filters—one regular and one fine.

It’s only 8PM and I cannot wait for tomorrow morning.

I’ll report back.

Notes

1. It’s funny that I could put a coffee post under creativity, business, happiness, or personal. Coffee empowers everything.

2. Many people ask me about Chemex. I just bought one, and I’m going to try it out, but I think it’s going to disappoint me the same way other pour-overs have.