Ultralight Enthusiast Essentials- The AeroPress

The AeroPress is one of the ultimate hacks for coffee whilst on the go. This clever little kit lets you create a fresh, awesome cup of coffee in minutes. Goodbye, nasty instant coffee (seriously, everyone deserves better than this!). There are many reasons why this tool is ranked highly for being the best portable coffee maker.

1. It is as light as a feather. Ok, well, not quite- but it only weighs 230 grams! It is perfect for storing away in your backpack without adding any extra baggage.
2. It is very durable. Constructed from solid plastic, you can easily hike or climb, knowing that the AeroPress can withstand a few bashes and knocks.
3. There is minimal cleanup. This device uses pressure to extract the flavours from the coffee via a tightly fitted plunge. Therefore, it squeezes out every drop of moisture, meaning there is no washing up to do (hurrah!).
4. It creates the perfect amount for single-serve coffee. There is no need to tip away any excess (our coffee is too good to waste!)

What does it taste like?

This device is small- but you wouldn’t know this from the flavour! You get a reasonably strong taste, not quite to the level of an espresso, but to that degree. You can also expect a smooth, rich, full-bodied, low acidity and overall uber-beautiful flavour.

If you prefer a heavier mouthfeel and more body, you can also purchase a metal version of the AeroPress. These will allow more coffee oil into your cup, providing these drinking characteristics. So, how exactly do you brew using this device? Check out our blog, which gives a step-by-step guide (there’s also a video on our YouTube channel!)

Which coffees are best for an AeroPress?

Our single-origin speciality coffee beans go with an AeroPress like bread and butter, especially since they are freshly roasted by hand in small batches to ensure incredible, unique flavours.

We recommend a medium or medium-dark roast when using the AeroPress, as this device’s pressure method amplifies the natural acidity in coffee. Therefore, you want to go for a coffee that has been roasted for longer, has less acidity, and has more caramelised flavours. It will then give you that perfect yin-yang balance to the acidity of pressure brewing.

We have a rather tempting duo of medium/dark roasts. Our blue-labelled coffee is a blissfully balanced combo of toffee, chocolate, zesty lemon and a crisp apple aftertaste.  However, if you prefer that classic, smooth, chocolatey flavour profile, our best-selling, orange-labelled coffee is the one for you.

For an extra special treat, why not treat them to a bag of limited edition red-labelled coffee? It features a creamy milk chocolate base and is topped with sweet and juicy plums. You’ll also get a subtle hazelnut swirl and a twist of orange. Yum!

For decaf drinkers, we have you covered with our purple-label decaffeinated coffee! Creamy and chocolatey with a unique raspberry jamminess and praline finish, this tastes like the real deal!

Can you still get a great flavour by putting coffee in an insulated flask?

Although fresh is best, we experimented to see if our coffee still tasted great after sitting in a flask for a few hours.  For this test, we brewed 500ml of various coffees in a cafetiere (roasted to different levels). We then made the initial taste test and wrote down the flavour notes. After placing it in a flask for 2 hours, we poured and tested the flavours again to see if there were any changes.

The Results

Light and Fruity- Autumn the Forth (white label)

To start: This brew has fresh and clean flavour notes with a nutty and mild citrus finish.

After 2 hours in an insulated flask, The flavours have remained more or less intact: it’s still a fantastic light and fruity brew. Intriguingly, the acidity had dropped slightly, replaced by a chocolate strawberry burst.

Medium- Freshly Knitted Biycyle (green label)

To start: As this is a medium brew, it has a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. These delightful caramel notes have developed with an increased roasting time. With one sip, you have a smooth, easy drinking experience.

After 2 hours in an insulated flask, We noticed that the acidity had dropped, with only a trace of the apple tang compared to our first sip. The caramel flavour had become slightly nutty, but the smooth drinking experience remained.

Medium/Dark- Hamster on Hoover (orange label)

To start: This medium/dark roast has a ‘traditional’ coffee taste. With chocolate orange and an edge of dark chocolate, this is our best seller for a reason!

After 2 hours in an insulated flask: After sitting in the flask, we thought this brew tasted better than the first time around! The chocolate orange acidity had relaxed, allowing the classic ‘coffee’ flavour to come out. This truly is an irresistible cup of joe.

Campers Comfort- You can’t go wrong with a mug.

Our enamel mugs are ideal for when out and about, as they will keep your brew hotter for longer and are more durable than the traditional China ones. You’ll have no chips or smashing accidents here!

Made to hold a 10oz/280ml brew, the soft porcelain coating ensures no metal is in contact with your coffee or mouth, keeping that uber-beautiful flavour.

With the Two Chimps logo on one side, they also have a cheeky chimp hiding on the other. Just remember these enamel mugs are not suitable for use in the microwave. No mug cakes here, please- save them for the good stuff (coffee, of course!)