Did you know different brewing methods will get different flavours from the same coffee? Whether you're using an espresso machine, cafetière, AeroPress or V60, each method has different brewing styles and brings out different characteristics from your coffee beans.
In this guide, we'll walk you through each brewing style and which of our coffees we recommend, as well as some helpful tips so you get the best brew every time.
Espresso: Rich, bold and intense
Best Coffee Beans: Granary Blend, Daybreak Blend, Escuro and Rich Roast
Espresso is all about concentrated flavour and a smooth, rich finish. For this method, you’ll want beans that provide a bold, full-bodied profile with plenty of intensity.
Brewing Tips:
- - Aim for an 18g dose of coffee to 36g of espresso output
- - Espresso requires a fine grind but adjusting it to suit your machine is key. If your shot runs too quickly, it may taste sour; if it runs too slowly, it could become bitter. Keep your grind consistent and aim for a 27-second extraction (give or take a few seconds)
- - Stick to 18g per shot for consistency
- - Watch the shot flow closely - ensure it runs at a steady pace for the best flavour
Coffee tip: If you're not getting the desired taste, try adjusting your shot timing. A slightly longer or shorter extraction time can bring out different flavours in the coffee, so experiment to find your perfect shot.
Our Granary Blend, Daybreak Blend, Escuro, and Rich Roast are perfect for espresso brewing, providing a robust base and smooth aftertaste. These single origin coffees and blends work well with the espresso method's high-pressure extraction, creating a cup that’s both intense and balanced.
Cafetière: Smooth and full-bodied
Best Coffee Beans: Apaneca, Escuro, Granary Blend, Sparkling Water Decaf
The cafetière, or French press, is a classic coffee brewing method that produces a full-bodied brew with a rich and smooth texture. This approach is perfect for those who enjoy coffee brewing that results in a bold yet smooth cup, with a little more texture than an espresso.
Brewing Tips:
- - Use a medium to coarse grind for optimal extraction
- - Add 50g of coffee to 800g of water
- - Steep for 10 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes to help the coffee grounds fall, and wait another 6 minutes before pouring
- - Gently pour the coffee to avoid excess sediment in the cup
Coffee tip: Keep the lid of your cafetière on while the coffee brews to retain heat and maintain an even extraction. A well-insulated cafetière can make a noticeable difference in the final flavour.
Coffees like Apaneca, Escuro, Granary Blend, and Sparkling Water Decaf shine in the cafetière method, where the longer steeping time allows their complex flavours to develop fully. This coffee brewing technique brings out a rich, full-bodied brew with just the right balance of flavours, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a smooth and immersive coffee experience.
AeroPress: Clean, bold and versatile
Best Coffee Beans: Two Stories, Rwamatamu - basically anything fruity...
In case you didn't know, we LOVE AeroPress here at Rounton Coffee. Most of our team brew at home or out and about using an AeroPress. AeroPress coffee brewing is versatile and produces a clean, bold cup that can be customised based on your preferences. It's great for those who like experimenting with different brewing techniques.
Brewing Tips:
- - Use a medium to fine grind for a smooth, clean cup
- - Add 16g of coffee to 250g of water
- - Invert the AeroPress to control the steeping time and ensure an even extraction
- - Stir the coffee, steep for about a minute, and then gently plunge
Coffee tip: To create a smoother brew, use two paper filters instead of one. This helps reduce any potential grittiness and ensures a cleaner cup.
Two Stories and Rwamatamu are excellent choices for AeroPress brewing. Their bright, clean, and fruity profiles come through beautifully in this method, delivering complex flavours that are both bold and nuanced. This coffee brewing style is ideal for those who enjoy a cup with plenty of clarity, making it a great option for experimenting with different techniques to refine your brewing skills.
V60: Bright, clean and refined
Best coffee beans: Rwamatamu, Bosque Lya and Apaneca
The V60 is a pour-over method that produces a bright, clean cup with excellent clarity. It's a favourite among coffee lovers who appreciate the refined nature of this brewing style.
Brewing Tips:
- - Use a medium grind for optimal flow rate
- - Use 30g of coffee to 500g of water
- - Start with 60g of water to saturate the grounds, wait 45 seconds, then pour the rest in circular motions
- - Total brew time should be between 2:30-3:00 minutes
Coffee tip: To get the most from your V60, pour in small, controlled circles. This guarantees even saturation and a balanced extraction, helping you achieve the full range of flavours in your coffee. Mastering this technique is key to perfecting your coffee brewing process.
Rwamatamu and Bosque Lya are fantastic choices for the V60, where the slow extraction highlights their bright acidity and refined sweetness. The V60 method is a great example of precision coffee brewing, allowing these coffees to shine with their clean, crisp profiles, making for a satisfying cup of coffee.
So to sum up...
Choosing the right coffee beans for each brewing method can make all the difference in your coffee experience. Experimenting with different beans and brew techniques will help you discover the flavours you love most. Whether you prefer the bold intensity of espresso, the smoothness of a cafetière, the clarity of AeroPress, or the refined taste of V60, there's a perfect bean for every brew.
At Rounton Coffee, we take pride in offering a wide selection of coffees that are tailored to each brewing method. Experiment, find your favourite, and enjoy the perfect cup every time.