Lance Hedrick - A Very Good AeroPress Recipe and 3 Simple Tips

Tip 1: Press Slower:

• A slow press yields a clean, clear brew with a better mouthfeel compared to a fast press, which results in a thicker but harsher cup.
• A fast, hard press introduces colloids and undissolved compounds, leading to bitterness and rough texture.
• Let the coffee bed act as a natural filter to retain undesirable compounds.

Tip 2: Bloom Your Coffee:

• Blooming doesn't matter as much if you are doing the inverted method.
• However, when you are brewing in a typical way, this ensures even saturation, leading to more efficient extraction and a more flavorful brew. Without blooming, under-extracted liquid can drip into the cup, diluting the flavor.
• When you are doing the bloom, some minimal amount of water will drip through, but since the bed absorbs twice its weight in water.
• Add a small amount of water to wet the coffee grounds (just enough to saturate them fully). Allow the coffee to bloom for 45 seconds before adding the rest of the water.

Tip 3: Adjust Grind Size:

• Fine grind can result in uneven flow, astringency, and harsh flavors
• Start with a coarser grind, closer to French press or pour-over grind size. Then move finer until you find a sweet spot.
• With a coarser grind, just let the brew sit longer.

Bonus advice:

• Using very hot water (95–100°C) increases bitterness and harshness.
• Lance personally never goes pass 95°C
• For light roasts, use water at ~90–92°C.
• For medium roasts, use ~88°C.
• For dark roasts, use ~82–84°C.

The whole point is to reduce bitterness, harshness, and reduce astringency