There are moments in life where everything aligns perfectly—when the grind of the beans is just right, the water temperature is spot on, and the timing of each step feels like a carefully choreographed dance. This evening, as I brewed a cup of Red Brick Seasonal Filter from Square Mile Coffee Roasters, I found myself immersed in one of those rare, magical moments of brewing perfection. The ritual of brewing coffee is often as much about the journey as it is about the destination, but today, the destination was nothing short of sublime.
As I carefully measured out each gram of coffee, heated the water to the precise degree, and began the delicate process of brewing with my AeroPress, I could feel the anticipation building—a quiet excitement that comes from knowing you’re on the brink of something extraordinary.
What made this particular brew even more special was the composition that inspired it—Bach: Cantata BWV 147: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (my Odin’s favorite too! Check out his playlist), interpreted by the brilliant Danil Trifonov. As the music filled the room, it felt as though each note was guiding my hand, turning the act of brewing into a meditative experience. The precision of the AeroPress, combined with the rich, complex notes of the Red Brick coffee, created a multisensory treat that was nothing short of transcendent.
The aroma of the freshly ground beans, the warmth of the cup in my hands, the first sip that revealed layers of orange, chocolate, nougat, and almond—it all came together in a moment of symphonic sensory experience. It’s these instances, where art meets craft, that remind me why I love brewing coffee. This cup was more than just a drink; it was an artful symphony, blending meticulous technique with sensory delight, turning an evening ritual into a moment of pure bliss.
Understanding the Beans:
Red Brick Seasonal Filter is a delightful blend from Square Mile Coffee Roasters, made up of 50% Costa Rica and 50% Guatemala beans. Originally intended for espresso, this coffee showcases a flavor profile that’s both rich and vibrant, with notes of orange, chocolate, nougat, and almond. When brewed with precision, each of these flavors reveals itself in layers, offering a complex and rewarding cup.
Recipe: Red Brick with An AeroPress Brewer (Immersion Method)
To bring out the best in this exceptional blend, I used the immersion method with an AeroPress, which allows for full extraction of the coffee’s nuanced flavors. This method, coupled with careful attention to detail, transforms the brewing process into a meditative ritual.
Ingredients:
- Coffee: 18g of Red Brick Seasonal Filter (medium grind)
- Water: 250ml, filtered and heated to 95-100°C (203-212°F)
Equipment:
- Brewer: AeroPress (inverted method, if you’renot using Fellow Prismo metal filter)
- Filter: Fellow Prismo metal filter (for a more refined cup without sediment)
- Scale: Accurate to 0.1g
- Timer: For precise brewing times
- Stirrer: Bamboo chopstick or stirrer for optimal agitation
- Thermometer: To ensure consistent water temperature
Grind Size:
For this brew, I opted for a medium grind—a bit finer than what you’d use for a drip coffee but coarser than an espresso grind. This grind size is crucial for achieving the right extraction balance, allowing the coffee to release its full flavor potential without becoming over-extracted.
Brewing Method
This step-by-step guide breaks down the process to ensure each stage of brewing is executed with precision.
1. Grind the Beans
Start by weighing out exactly 18g of Red Brick beans. Use a quality burr grinder to achieve a medium grind, ensuring uniformity. This consistency is key to avoiding over-extraction or under-extraction, both of which can distort the coffee’s flavor profile.
2. Rinse the Filter
Insert the Fellow Prismo metal filter into the AeroPress cap. Rinse it with hot water to eliminate any residual flavors from the manufacturing process and to preheat the brewer, ensuring the coffee stays hot during the brewing process.
3. Add Coffee Grounds
With the AeroPress in the inverted position, add the ground coffee into the chamber. Level the grounds by giving the AeroPress a gentle shake. This ensures even extraction, as an uneven bed of coffee can lead to inconsistencies in flavor.
4. Blooming
Start your timer and pour 54g of hot water (about three times the weight of the coffee) over the grounds. Swirl the AeroPress gently to ensure all grounds are fully saturated. Blooming is essential as it allows the coffee to release trapped carbon dioxide, setting the stage for a balanced extraction. Let it bloom for exactly 45 seconds.
5. Pour, Agitate, and Brew
Slowly add the remaining hot water until you reach 250ml. Using a bamboo stirrer, agitate the grounds by stirring vertically (north to south) and horizontally (east to west) five times each. This technique, inspired by Tim Wendelboe, ensures even extraction by thoroughly wetting all the grounds. Let the coffee steep for 2 minutes.
After the 2 minutes, repeat the same stirring pattern to further ensure consistency in the brew.
6. Plunge
Attach the filter cap securely, flip the AeroPress over your cup or flask, and begin the plunge. Apply steady, controlled pressure, aiming to complete the plunge in about 30 seconds. This slow plunge allows for a smooth, clean extraction, with just the right amount of resistance to indicate that the grind size is perfect.
7. Smell, Swirl, and Slurp
Take a moment to inhale the aroma—a vibrant bouquet of citrus, chocolate, and almonds. Swirl the coffee gently to mix the flavors, then take your first slurp. Let the flavors roll over your tongue, experiencing the full spectrum of Red Brick’s profile. Each note—orange, chocolate, nougat, and almond—should be distinctly present, yet harmoniously balanced.
How to Pair:
To complement this exquisite brew, I paired it with fresh slices of Valencia orange to heighten the citrus notes in the coffee and a few slice of carrot walnut cake with cinnamon from a local artisanal baker. The bright citrus notes from Valencia oranges blended perfectly with the orange flavors of the coffee, heightening the experience whereas the warm spices and nutty richness of the cake beautifully echoed the almond and nougat notes in the coffee, creating a delightful synergy. This pairing elevates the coffee experience, making each sip more indulgent and satisfying.
Variations to Try:
- Chocolate Fusion: A square of high-quality dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher can accentuate the chocolate undertones.
- Nutty Pairing: Almond biscotti or a walnut tart can enhance the nutty flavors, creating a well-rounded tasting experience.
Additional Tips:
- Grind Fresh: Freshly ground coffee is crucial for the best flavor. Grind your beans just before brewing to capture the volatile aromatic compounds.
- Water Matters: Use filtered water at the right temperature (95-100°C) for optimal extraction. This prevents any unwanted flavors from interfering with the coffee’s natural profile.
- Experiment with Ratios: While 18g to 250ml is my preferred ratio, feel free to adjust based on your taste. A bit more coffee for a stronger brew, or a little more water for a lighter one—find what suits your palate.
What Do You Think?
This AeroPress recipe, with its attention to detail and careful execution, turned a simple evening into something extraordinary. Now I’m curious—what coffee brewing methods have brought you joy recently? Have you tried a new technique or discovered a unique pairing that took your coffee experience to the next level? Share your stories and experiments with me. Let’s keep the conversation going and inspire each other to explore the intricate world of coffee. Until next time, happy brewing and slurping!
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For more inspiration, check out this video on Making AeroPress Coffee With Tim Wendelboe | AEROPRESS MOVIE by European Coffee Trip