The Coffee Brewing Paradox: Simple vs Complex

In this episode, I explore the complexities and simplicities of brewing coffee, specifically focusing on my experience with AeroPress and light roast coffees. I discuss the challenges of achieving a "good" cup of coffee versus settling for mediocrity. Through my hands-on brewing session, I delve into various factors affecting coffee quality - from grind size and water temperature to brewing methods and personal expectations.

Listeners will gain insights into the mental process of a coffee enthusiast troubleshooting their brew, understanding the balance between accepting brewing challenges and seeking those "easy victories" in their coffee journey. I also share practical brewing parameters and honest reflections about when coffee doesn't meet our expectations.

For good tasty coffee, check us out at: everydaybeans.com

For tips, tricks and still trying to figure it out: https://www.youtube.com/@everyday-beans

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction and Coffee Brewing Setup
• 2:15 Topic Introduction: Brewing Difficulty
• 4:30 Ethiopian Coffee Experience
• 6:45 Current Brew Analysis at 180°F
• 9:00 Questioning Coffee Variables
• 11:30 The Complexity of Simple Coffee
• 14:00 Mr. Coffee Comparison
• 16:15 Understanding Variables and Control
• 18:30 Easy Victories vs. Challenges
• 20:00 Final Thoughts on Coffee Journey

Transcript

[0:00] Hello, welcome to the show. Today is December 28th, 2024, the last couple days of the year.

[2:15] Let's discuss the topic I've been thinking about - the difficulty or simplicity of brewing coffee. I'm using the AeroPress with a one-way valve for a light roast coffee I roasted about a week and a half ago.

[4:30] About a month and a half ago, I did a YouTube video about pairing the Kin Grinder with Ethiopian coffee. The video discusses how challenging it is to brew Ethiopian coffee well - one of the regions that got me deeply involved in coffee.

[6:45] Today I brewed this coffee at 180 degrees, stirred for about six seconds, waited a minute with full immersion, and then plunged it like a French press but with AeroPress pressure.

[9:00] As I analyze this coffee, I'm questioning multiple variables - is it the coffee itself? The brewing temperature? The method? Did I make a mistake in the process?

[11:30] Why should brewing good coffee be difficult? We all work with similar fundamentals - understanding brewing dynamics and chemistry, having our preferences in roast degrees, bean types, and brewing methods.

[14:00] Think about it - if Mr. Coffee worked perfectly, would we have explored all these different methods and equipment? Even with advanced equipment, we still face similar challenges.

[16:15] The key is understanding where things went wrong and how to adjust. With a grinder, brewer, and temperature-variable kettle, we have the essential tools to get the best from any coffee.

[18:30] Sometimes we just want those easy victories - brewing coffee with a basic recipe that just works. But the journey of understanding and improving is part of the process.

[20:00] At the end of the day, it's about finding what works for you while being open to learning and improving. This is Okey at Everyday Beans, signing off.

[20:45] (End)