The Aerobie AeroPress is a firm favourite for many home brewers with its convenient size and ability to create a delicious coffee that really highlights the flavour of the beans. The question, then, is what kind of roast is going to be the best and how do you go about choosing between all of the different options out there?
The AeroPress is able to create a coffee that is most similar to espresso, therefore it is well suited to a dark or espresso roast, but there are many other delicious roasts to choose from. Above anything else, you want beans or grounds that are fresh and have been roasted properly, preferably from a local roaster.
This article will go into detail about how the AeroPress can be used with different kinds of roasts, what options are available and what to keep in mind when you are choosing the right kind of bean for your brew.
What Kind of Roasts Can I Use With my AeroPress?
One of the main advantages of the AeroPress over other coffee makers is its versatility because it can be used to create all kinds of coffee. From espresso-like coffee to cold brew, you can use all kinds of different roasts, brewing techniques and subsequent additives with your AeroPress so almost any option is on the table.
Which Roast is Best for an AeroPress?
The roast that is best for your AeroPress will depend on your tastes. What makes a roast stand out is usually more in the sourcing of the beans and the quality of the roasting rather than the specific type of roast that you are choosing, so it is worth looking for a roaster you can trust.
Can I Use an Espresso Roast for My AeroPress?
Many people specifically choose the AeroPress for its ability to replicate some of the features of espresso, using pressure in the brew. With a small quantity of water, fine grounds, and an espresso roast you can get a lot of intensity from your beans, which you can then use to create other coffee types, like the Americano for example.
What’s the Difference Between Regular Roast and Espresso Roast?
An espresso roast is roasted slightly hotter than standard filter coffee and for a longer amount of time which makes it easier to dissolve the right amount of coffee into the water. The resulting coffee will be more fully extracted and give your brew a greater amount of body, more balance and sweetness but with less acidity.
What Are the Benefits of a Regular Filter Roast?
Regular roasts can be used for drip machines and cafetieres, are not brought up to as high of a final temperature and have less roasting time which reduces the intensity of the “roast” flavour. This makes the coffee more mellow but also clearer, allowing for the natural taste of the coffee to be noticeable without too much weight.
What are the Differences Between the Roast Colours?
Light roasts are roasted at 180-205°C, are light brown in colour and are high in caffeine, acidity, and origin flavour. Medium roasts are roasted at 210-220°C, are mid brown and less caffeinated with a strong aroma and a balanced flavour, whereas dark roasts are roasted at 240-250°C and have more bitterness and smokiness but relatively low caffeine.
Can I Use a Light Roast in My AeroPress?
The AeroPress coffee maker is very good at capturing the nuances of different roasts and elevating their distinctive qualities in the final cup. Light roasts have more complex flavours that can highlight fruity and floral notes in the beans and these subtle tastes come across with great depth when using an AeroPress for your brew.
Can I Use Dark Roast for My AeroPress?
The AeroPress is also great for enhancing the bold flavours and heavy body of a darker roast, resulting in a powerful cup of coffee. This is a great option if you are looking to use it as the basis of another coffee drink, like an Americano or a cappuccino, as the intensity of the flavour won’t dilute as much.
Would I Prefer a Lighter or a Darker Roast?
Because the AeroPress gives a relatively strong brew, you might favour the lighter roast if you are used to drinking filter coffee. If you are looking for the type of strength that you get from an espresso machine in a café, then a darker roast is probably more up your street and can give you the hit you need.
What is the Wrong Choice of Roast for an AeroPress?
There are many people that say that one type of roast or another is right or wrong when it comes to using an AeroPress, but really it is up to you. Rather than opting for one roast to stick with religiously, try out a few different options and see what suits your tastes before you rule anything out.
Where Should My Beans Come From?
Balanced beans are the best for an AeroPress, meaning those that are not too fruity or too bitter, and certain regions are known for producing balanced bean flavours. Ethiopian beans are likely to give you fruitiness and brightness whereas the beans from Central and South America are richer with more of a nutty, chocolatey taste.
How Do I Find Good Beans and a Good Roast?
Local roasters are always the way to go when you are looking for the best quality, and it is worth shopping around to see who is making great roasts near you. Look for someone that is knowledgeable and passionate about their craft if you want to be asking lots of questions and experimenting with different flavours.
Does Grinding My Own Beans Make a Difference?
Whatever roast you go for, pre-ground coffee will always have a little bit less freshness and a duller flavour than beans that you grind yourself, even if it’s a bit more effort. A hand grinder is a relatively cheap investment and, for an AeroPress, can easily make just the right amount of grounds for a great cup every time.
Hi, I’m Jen Williams, chief editor and writer for ThirstPerk.com.
I’ve been drinking coffee and tea for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I started working at Thirstperk.com that I became an expert on the subject. I’m a total caffeine addict who has spent hours upon hours reading about and experimenting with the different types of coffees out there in my search to find the perfect cup of joe.
I’ve been a tea lover for as long as I can remember as well. I grew up in a house with a mom who loved to drink herbal tea, and I think that’s where my love for tea first began. These days, I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting teas to try, and I love experimenting with different brewing methods and flavoring combinations.
