How to AeroPress like Cafe Kendama
Updated: Dec 26, 2020
Hey Coffee Gang, Adam here!
Coffee, like Kendama, has a way of starting a conversation that leads much deeper. In this blog, I will walk you through my routine for brewing AeroPress my way--the way I do it for every Brewview.
The method I use and am teaching you is inverted (upside down), double filtered, and pulls a 100g shot of sweet bean nectar to top with hot water to your taste and liking (ie. Americano).
What you'll need
AeroPress Kit + Two AeroPress Filters
Coffee (pre-ground if you don't have a grinder)
Hot Water (temperature Controlled if you got it)
Scale (optional)
Grinder (only if you are buying your beans whole--which I highly recommend)
Timer (optional, as there is one segment where it's ideal to count to 40)
Your favourite mug
A Kendama (for the in-between time)
Preparation
This whole process from start to finish can take about 5-7 minutes depending on how fast your water heats up. Make sure to have all the above tools at the ready, and let's dive into this!
Heat Water
I use a stovetop kettle from Amazon similar to this one ($39.99 CAD) and fill it up, set it on high/boil, and let it start heating. The optimal temp for this brew is between 96 and 98 degrees celsius (or just below boiling for our American friends).
While that's heating, let's get our beans ready.
Prep Beans
Disclaimer: Use what you love (even if it's dark roast). Most often I use a light roast from Phil and Sebastian's with their monthly subscription (available in USA/Canada).
Measure out 30g of beans (I personally recommend a light roast or espresso blend, but this is a personal choice). If you don't own a scale, just measure two scoops with the AeroPress scoop and you will likely be within a gram of 30g (now that's some weight matching).
If you do not own a grinder and are buying pre-ground beans, aim for a medium-fine grind (around the consistency of reasonably fine sand).
If you have a grinder, set it at a medium-fine grind. If you are like me and use the Baratza Encore grinder (the best in home grinder), set it to 18 or 19 for this specific recipe. Every grinder is different, so it may take a few tries to get it perfect.
Go ahead and grind them while your water boils. While it grinds, let's get our set up ready.
Setting up your AeroPress
Alright, this is where we get down to business.
Grab the plunger, the chamber, the cap, two filters, and the stir stick (these all come with your initial purchase of an AeroPress)
Place the plunger on the counter with the rubber pointing up, grab the chamber and press it onto the plunger with the cap side facing the sky just covering past the rubber on the plunger. This is the base form of the inverted method.
When your beans are done grinding, throw them into this chamber.
Now, grab the cap and place two filters in it. Yes, two. Is this necessary? No. But it does help keep your coffee a bit cleaner and less grainy at the end.
In coffee lingo, there are dirty and clean cups. AeroPress is generally considered clean and French Press is considered dirty (or more grainy).
Putting it All Together
Alright, your water should be ready (or very close to) and your AeroPress good to go.
Set AeroPress on your scale (if you got one), and tarre it (set it at zero).
Before we fill the chamber with hot water, we are going to pre-rinse the filters. So grab the AeroPress cap with your filters and rinse it with some hot water. This helps remove any papery taste and creates a better seal in the brewing process. Once this is done you are ready to brew.
Pour 100g (or to halfway between the third and fourth number) of 98-degree Celsius water.
Set timer for 40 seconds (or start counting in your head).
Grab your AeroPress stir stick (or butter knife), and stir the mixture 20 times quickly.
Press and seal the cap with filters onto the chamber and press down to the surface of the coffee.
Hit a whirlwind
When the timer hits forty seconds flip the AeroPress onto your favourite mug and press down unless all the coffee is in your mug.
Top with hot water to your liking (an Americano).
Drink up and enjoy!
Drink and Enjoy
This whole process should take around 5 minutes depending on how fast your water boils. It's pretty simple, and really only requires the AeroPress, beans, and hot water. It's fairly cost-effective and a simple process. If you are looking to brew better coffee and want to help support the Brewview and Cafe Kendama, consider purchasing my favorite tools through these Amazon Affiliate Links:
Phil and Sebastian's Coffee Subscription (Canada and USA)
Get your AeroPress here ($67.37 CAD)
Get the Bartza Encore Grinder here ($199 CAD)
Get your scale here ($22.89 CAD)
Oh, and here's a .gif of some ASMR froth bubbles... you're welcome.
This blog contains affiliate links for products I use everyday in my brewing routines. Purchasing through these links does pay me a small amount without charging you any extra! Win-win.