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