The Best AeroPress Coffee Beans: Our Top Picks for Exceptional Brewing

Are you a coffee lover looking to elevate your brewing game? Look no further! In this article, we will delve into the realm of AeroPress coffee and explore the top brands that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you're new to this brewing method or a seasoned enthusiast, we have got you covered. From the best brands available in 2023 to a comprehensive guide on how to brew with AeroPress, we will leave no stone unturned. So grab your favorite mug and let's dive into the world of AeroPress coffee together.

A Comparison of Our Top Brands for 2023

• Best Overall: Lifeboost Dark Roast
• Best Ground Coffee: Volcanica Costa Rica Peaberry
• Coffee Bean Direct Colombia Supremo
• Tiny Footprint Nicaragua Segovia
• Onyx Coffee Lab Ethiopian Gedeb Beriti

The 8 Best AeroPress Coffee Beans

1. Lifeboost Dark Roast Coffee – Best Overall

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Our top choice for AeroPress coffee is Lifeboost's Dark Roast, an exceptional bean with a strong, dark flavor. This Nicaraguan coffee is grown sustainably and is Fair Trade, Organic, and pesticide-free. Its rich chocolate and caramel notes make it a robust and flavorful option for AeroPress brewing. The water volume and brewing method allow for customization of the intensity. Although it may be more expensive, Lifeboost offers a satisfaction guarantee.

2. Volcanica Costa Rica Peaberry – Best Ground Coffee

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If you prefer pre-ground coffee, the Volcanica Costa Rica Peaberry is an excellent choice. Available in whole bean and three grind sizes, this coffee offers a bright and sweet flavor. The AeroPress works best with medium to fine grinds, allowing you to experiment with different profiles. Made with rare peaberry beans, known for their intense flavors, this coffee delivers a fantastic taste experience.

3. Coffee Bean Direct Colombia Supremo Whole Bean

For those looking to buy coffee in bulk, Coffee Bean Direct offers high-quality beans at an affordable price. The Colombia Supremo blend features delightful notes of lemon and chocolate. Each bag is single-origin, ensuring consistent flavor. Adjusting the water volume can enhance the coffee's taste, making it suitable for different brewing methods. However, some customers have reported occasional inconsistencies due to the bulk packaging.

4. Tiny Footprint Nicaragua Segovia Whole Bean Coffee

Tiny Footprint Coffee is not only known for its delicious taste but also for its positive impact on the environment. As the world's first roaster with a negative carbon footprint, they donate a portion of each sale to reforestation efforts. The Nicaraguan Segovia beans offer a great acidity combined with chocolate overtones, apricot, and fig notes. However, be cautious when ordering to ensure the correct options are selected.

5. Onyx Coffee Lab Ethiopian Gedeb Beriti Whole Bean

Onyx Coffee Lab stands out for its commitment to freshness, only roasting beans when they receive an order. The Ethiopian Gedeb Beriti beans produce complex flavors, including dried berries, cantaloupe, and sorghum. Onyx Coffee Lab strikes a balance between traditional and modern coffee styles, offering both darker, nuttier roasts and fruitier, spicier lighter roasts. The AeroPress can extract the best flavors from this versatile coffee.

6. Klatch Coffee 'Belle Espresso' Whole Bean

Klatch Coffee has earned high praise from coffee reviewer Kenneth Davids, with their Belle Espresso scoring an impressive 94 rating. This medium-roast coffee blends flavors of nuts, chocolate, blackberry, brandy, and hints of orange. The product is labeled as whole bean, though some customers have found the packaging confusing. Klatch provides a recommended recipe for brewing if you're not using an AeroPress.

7. Stumptown Coffee Roasters Guatemalan Whole Beans

Stumptown Coffee Roasters showcases their dedication to quality through their flavorful Guatemalan whole beans. With profiles of orange, honey, and butter, these beans are well-suited for AeroPress brewing. Adjusting the brew time can help accentuate specific flavors. However, some customers have encountered issues with receiving stale coffee.

8. Volcanica Hawaiian Kona Whole Bean Coffee

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No coffee list would be complete without mentioning Volcanica Coffee. Their Hawaiian Kona beans from the Greenwell Estate offer a delightful blend of traditional and modern flavors. Roasted to a medium level, these beans are excellent for both espresso shots and AeroPress brewing. However, some customers have reported issues with receiving stale coffee.

Top 10 Aeropress Coffee Bean Brands in the UK

Finally, the moment you've been eagerly waiting for! Below, I present to you my carefully curated list of the best coffee bean brands for Aeropress, along with the amazing coffee roasters behind them. Each bag of coffee on this list guarantees a unique and incredibly delightful cup that will leave you craving for more. So without further ado, let's dive right in!

1. Agata Brazil Single Origin

At Balance Coffee, the Agata Brazil Single Origin is a perfect choice for both concentrated espressos and milk-based beverages. Rest assured, all the coffee at Balance undergoes strict health optimization measures to ensure its safety for consumption. These measures include rigorous testing and monitoring for any undesirable elements like mold, mycotoxins, and pesticides. Quality is never compromised at Balance, as they source their coffee exclusively from the top 5% of specialty farms and producers, paying them a premium of 25% higher than the market price. This not only guarantees exceptional specialty-grade coffee but also contributes to the sustainability of the industry. With its rich flavors of dark chocolate, raisins, and lychee, the Agata Brazil Single Origin is an absolute delight, making it a top choice for Aeropress enthusiasts. Don't just take my word for it, see what our satisfied customers are saying by visiting the Balance Coffee website.

2. Pact Coffee Nyarusiza Gaspard

Sometimes, it's the light roast that brings out the most mouthwatering flavors in Aeropress coffee, and Pact Coffee's Nyarusiza Gaspard is a prime example. Originating from Rwanda, this coffee is available in whole bean or ground form, depending on your preference. For the freshest taste, it is recommended to grind the whole beans at home using a grinder. The Nyarusiza Gaspard is cherished by coffee lovers for its unique tasting notes of blackcurrant, lemon, and hot tea. Its distinctive and lingering taste makes it a favorite among those who appreciate a subtle yet zesty cup of coffee. Discover the wonders of Pact Coffee's Nyarusiza Gaspard by visiting their website.

3. Clumsy Goat Fairtrade Honduran

Clumsy Goat is making a name for itself in the coffee industry, particularly with its fairtrade certified coffee. However, their coffee blends are not only socially responsible but also incredibly delicious. The Honduran beans from Clumsy Goat are an excellent choice for Aeropress brewing. Whether you want to enjoy a shot of concentrated espresso or create a creamy latte or cappuccino, this blend has got you covered. Sourced from the San Antonia Limitada region of Honduras as part of the COAGRICSAL collective, these beans offer a well-rounded flavor profile, balanced acidity, and a creamy mouthfeel. The notes of nuts and caramel further enhance the overall experience, especially when you indulge in an Aeropress latte. Check out Clumsy Goat's Fairtrade Honduran on their website.

4. Volcanica Costa Rica Peaberry

While whole coffee beans are usually recommended for a fresh cup of Aeropress, ground coffee can also produce fantastic results. Volcanica's Costa Rica Peaberry is available in both pre-ground and ground forms, with the latter being one of the best ground coffee options for Aeropress in the UK. You can choose between three sizes: drip, espresso, and French Press. Since Aeropress usually requires medium to finely ground coffee, the espresso or drip sizes are ideal. What sets this coffee apart is its bright and sweet flavor, providing the perfect kickstart to your mornings. Whether you brew it as an espresso or opt for a more subtle drip coffee, the Costa Rica Peaberry delivers an exceptional taste experience. Visit Volcanica's website to try their Costa Rica Peaberry.

5. Stumptown Coffee Roasters Guatemalan Whole Beans

Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a renowned name in the coffee industry, known for its commitment to quality. Their Guatemalan Whole Beans are a testament to their dedication to excellence and are highly recommended for Aeropress brewing. This coffee offers mouthwatering tasting notes of orange, honey, and butter. With proper Aeropress techniques, you can easily extract these flavors and enjoy a light and acidic cup of coffee that is subtly powerful. Adjusting your brew time can enhance the taste, with a quicker brew accentuating the zesty orange flavor and a slower brew highlighting the creamy buttery notes. To experience the magic of Stumptown Coffee Roasters' Guatemalan blend, visit their website.

6. Volcanica Hawaiian Kona Whole Bean Coffee

Volcanica Coffee deserves a second mention on this list, as their Kona Whole Bean Coffee is a true masterpiece. With their expertise and commitment to quality, Volcanica produces some of the finest coffee blends in the world. Made from 100% Kona beans, this medium roast coffee sourced from the Greenwell Estate offers a blend of traditional and modern flavors. When brewed using an Aeropress, it delivers a full-bodied yet mellow taste with underlying hints of bright jasmine, citrus, tart cherries, and sweet caramel. The purity and sophistication of this coffee make it a favorite among those who enjoy intense and concentrated espresso shots. Many coffee enthusiasts consider it one of the best medium roast coffees for Aeropress. Discover the wonders of Volcanica's Hawaiian Kona on their website.

7. Bird & Wild Seasonal Blend

For coffee lovers with both a conscience and a limited budget, Bird & Wild is a brand worth exploring. Beyond just providing feel-good vibes, their Seasonal Blend is a medium roast blend that perfectly complements the Aeropress brewing method. Setting up their roastery in London, Bird & Wild aims to protect migrating birds who often lose their habitats due to farming practices. The coffee they offer is ethically sourced and grown, with certifications for being Bird Friendly and Shade Grown. By selecting their beans meticulously and combining them skillfully, their Seasonal Blend delivers a chocolatey taste that is rich and smooth. The inviting aroma and delightful flavors make every cup a true delight. Moreover, Bird & Wild's commitment to fair trade ensures that both your health and the coffee farmers are taken care of. Explore Bird & Wild's Seasonal Blend on their website.

8. Spiller and Tait Signature Blend

After a decade of exploring the coffee world, I can confidently say that award-winning coffee should not be missed. Spiller and Tait's Signature Blend has earned its reputation by winning the Prestigious Taste Award in 2017 and securing a silver award at the Taste of the West Awards in 2014. Produced in the UK, this coffee is undoubtedly one of the best for Aeropress. Spiller and Tait roast their beans in small batches to ensure premium quality and freshness. Their Signature Blend is crafted from high-quality Arabica beans sourced from India, Kenya, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Brazil. When brewed using an Aeropress, it releases a beautiful aroma and an abundance of flavors to savor. The combination of rich and smoky almonds with caramelized demerara sugar is a treat for your taste buds, making it a go-to coffee any time of the day or on a quick road trip. The impressive smoothness of this blend will leave you craving for more. Visit Spiller & Tait's website to try their Signature Blend.

9. Taylors of Harrogate Rich Italian Coffee

Taylors of Harrogate is a well-known name in the tea and coffee industry, and their Rich Italian Coffee blend is truly unique. As I've personally experienced, certain blends from Taylors hold a special place. The Rich Italian blend lives up to its name by producing a rich, indulgent cup of Aeropress coffee. Offering delicious tasting notes of chocolate and almonds, this coffee is characterized by its strength rating of 4 and made entirely from high-quality Arabica beans. Each cup brewed with Taylors' Rich Italian Blend promises luxury and satisfaction. The coffee is of exceptional quality, freshness guaranteed, and boasts distinct flavors sourced from Latin America and Africa. Regular quality checks conducted by Taylors' expert team of Q-Graders ensure that you receive only the best. Visit Taylors of Harrogate's website to savor their Rich Italian Coffee.

10. Brown Bear Blue Mountain Blend Ground Coffee

Last but not least, we have the Brown Bear Blue Mountain Blend Ground Coffee. This blend stands out for its low fat content and gluten-free nature, making it a guilt-free choice for a steaming mug of coffee. Not only is it one of the best coffee options for Aeropress in the UK, but it also works splendidly with French Press and Cafetiere brewing methods. With a medium roast and a sweet flavor profile accompanied by undertones of caramel and toffee, it's a coffee lover's dream. Made from 100% Arabica beans sourced from Costa Rica, this coffee is a testament to Brown Bear's commitment to freshness and quality. Their BRC-accredited roastery in the UK ensures premium and carefully crafted roasts. The presence of a little brown bear cub logo on each coffee packet signifies the quality and care that goes into creating this delightful blend. Brown Bear Coffee also goes the extra mile by donating 5% of their sales to Free the Bears, a UK nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and protecting bears across Southeast Asia. Taste the excellence of Brown Bear's Blue Mountain Blend Ground Coffee by visiting their available on Amazon.

Comprehensive Guide for Selecting the Best Coffee for Aeropress

Choosing the right coffee for your Aeropress is essential if you want to maximize its capabilities. There are a few key factors to consider:

- The Roast Profile: For a satisfying Aeropress experience, look for coffee with a light, bright, and clean taste. While all roast types can work, using a light or medium roast tends to complement the brewing style of the Aeropress best.

- The Coffee Type: Selecting the right coffee type is crucial. Factors to consider include the coffee bean type (Arabica or Robusta), the coffee grade (speciality or commercial), and the origin of the coffee beans. Arabica beans are generally considered superior, and speciality coffee beans tend to have the flavors needed for an optimal Aeropress brew.

- Ground Coffee vs. Coffee Beans: It's recommended to ditch ground coffee and opt for coffee beans instead. Ground coffee can lose its flavor over time and may not extract properly in the Aeropress. It's best to grind the coffee beans yourself to achieve the ideal grind size for the Aeropress, which is finer than drip coffee but coarser than espresso.

The Right Roast Profile Selection

All roast types can be used for Aeropress brewing, but light roasts are often considered the best. They capture the complex and acidic characteristics, as well as the fruity flavors of light roasts. For more information on the best light roast coffee beans, you can read my blog post here.

Medium roasts offer a balance between robust flavor and subtlety with a bit of sweetness. They still provide a dark and solid taste when brewed in an Aeropress. To explore the best medium roast coffee beans, check out my blog post.

Dark roasts have a strong flavor and are popular among fans of rich, robust coffee. However, brewing a dark roast in an Aeropress can be overpowering. It's best to use dark roasts as a base for creamy coffee drinks like lattes or cappuccinos. To find the best dark roast coffee beans, you can refer to my blog post.

The Right Coffee Type

Determining the right coffee type for your Aeropress can be challenging, but it primarily revolves around factors like coffee bean type, coffee grade, and coffee bean origin.

Arabica coffee beans are known for their superior quality compared to Robusta beans. Most brands on my list of the best coffee for Aeropress in the UK use 100% Arabica beans.

Speciality coffee beans are recommended for Aeropress brewing. These lightly roasted beans have all the flavors necessary for an excellent Aeropress brew. Remember, the higher the quality of your coffee beans, the better your Aeropress brew will be.

The origin of coffee beans also plays a role in the final cup. Different origins offer unique flavors and characteristics. For example, South and Central American coffee beans have rich chocolate and nut flavors, while Ethiopian beans are known for bright, fruity, and floral flavors. Choose the origins that suit your preferences.

Ditch Ground Coffee to Buy Coffee Beans for Aeropress

True coffee enthusiasts know the importance of using whole coffee beans for the freshest brew. Ground coffee tends to lose flavor over time, and each cup brewed may not be as fresh. Additionally, using ground coffee in an Aeropress presents challenges due to the specific grind size required.

Aeropress needs a finer grind than drip coffee but coarser than espresso. It's recommended to grind the coffee beans yourself to achieve the perfect grind size for Aeropress. However, if you prefer pre-ground coffee, you may need to experiment with the hot water infusion time for optimal extraction. When purchasing pre-ground coffee, pay attention to the grind size. Many coffee companies offer an "Aeropress grind" option when you buy.

Essential Ingredients and Tools for Aeropress Brewing

Once you've selected the best coffee for your Aeropress, it's important to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools for brewing. The following items are essential:

Ingredients:

- Coffee Beans (preferably from my top 10 list)

- Hot water (between 76.6-96.1°C)

Tools and Equipment:

- Burr Grinder (check out my recommendations for the best burr coffee grinders)

- Aeropress scoop

- Aeropress paddle or spoon

- Paper or metal Aeropress filters

- Mug

- Coffee scale or digital scale

- Speciality grade coffee (obviously)

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients and tools, it's time to start brewing with your Aeropress. The next section provides a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect cup of coffee.

How to Brew Coffee with Aeropress?

There are multiple ways to brew coffee using Aeropress, but let's start with the most basic method: the standard Aeropress brewing method. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Measure Your Coffee

Using a coffee scale, measure around 16-17 grams of coffee beans, or approximately 2.5 tablespoons of coffee.

Step 2: Grind Your Coffee Beans

Grind the coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency, similar to table salt.

Step 3: Prepare and Pre-Heat Your Aeropress

Ensure your Aeropress is clean and the filter is in place. Rinse the filter with boiling water to wet it and preheat the Aeropress and mug.

Step 4: Ensure Your Water is the Right Temperature

The water temperature should be between 76.6 and 96.1°C. Adjust as needed throughout the brewing process.

Step 5: Add Your Ground Coffee

Secure the brew chamber on top of your mug and add the ground coffee. Shake gently to level the grounds.

Step 6: Add Water

Pour hot water into the chamber, filling it within 10 seconds. Twist the chamber while pouring to ensure even saturation of the grounds.

Step 7: Stir, Plug, and Wait

Briefly stir the coffee slurry with a paddle or spoon. Insert the Aeropress plunger and slightly pull it up to create a vacuum seal. Set a timer for one minute and wait.

Step 8: Stir, Press, and Time

Remove the pressure seal, give the mixture another stir, and replace the plunger. Begin pressing down on the plunger slowly, aiming for a one-minute plunge.

When you hear a hissing sound, it indicates that all the water has been extracted, and your coffee is ready to enjoy.

Before Beginning

Grind Your Own Beans

Why grind your own beans? The difference in taste is immediately noticeable. Whether you want to impress someone or simply enjoy a flavorful cup of coffee, grinding your own beans is the way to go.

This is particularly important when using a manual brewing method like the AeroPress. It allows you to experiment with different grind sizes to achieve the best quality coffee.

If you want to learn more about mastering your AeroPress, check out our video below:

AeroPresses usually work best with a grind size slightly finer than sea salt. This falls between the grind size you would use for a French press and a percolator, leaning more towards the latter.

The finer the grind, the richer the flavor will be. Just be careful not to grind it too fine, making it difficult to push the brew through. Alternatively, you can use a coarser grind and try the inverted method for a result closer to that of a French press.

Rinse the Paper Filter

First, it is recommended to use the paper filters instead of the metal ones from third-party sellers if you desire the distinct AeroPress flavor. If not, using a French press is a suitable alternative.

Second, take a few extra seconds to rinse your filter before brewing. This helps the filter adhere to the plastic cap more effectively, resulting in a cleaner-tasting cup of coffee.

Know Your Roast

Consider trying a different roast level than your usual preference. If you typically prefer a medium roast, start with a light roast. If you usually opt for a dark roast, give a medium roast a try.

An AeroPress will intensify the coffee's taste, making it darker and stronger than usual, almost reaching the level of an espresso. But if you find that you can't get enough of this bold coffee flavor, don't worry. We have you covered; check out Death Wish.

Wait, but what IS an AeroPress?

This innovative tool was created by Alan Adler in 2005. It relies on air pressure created by two cylinders and your own manual effort to force water through coffee grounds, a paper filter, and directly into your cup.

What makes AeroPress coffee so special?

Flavor-Flav

By "special," we mean the flavor profile of AeroPress coffee (not the TV personality from the 2000s). While using high-quality coffee is essential for a great flavor, the AeroPress significantly enhances the taste experience. Even if you're not an expert at discerning subtle flavors, you will notice a deeper and more pronounced taste compared to other brewing methods.

Furthermore, AeroPress coffee is both stronger and crisper than coffee brewed through other manual methods. This is due to its efficient brewing time and the use of a paper filter, which are unique to the AeroPress.

Versatility

While there are some recommended parameters to follow, the AeroPress provides ample room for experimentation and customization based on your personal preferences.

It's a fantastic tool for making a single serving of almost any hot-brew you desire. You can play around with different roast levels, grind sizes, water temperatures, and brew times until you find your perfect cup of coffee.

If you're looking for inspiration, check out the recipes from the winners of the World AeroPress Championship (yes, that's a thing) here.

1: Ethiopian beans

Ethiopian beans are renowned worldwide for their unique and intense fruity flavor.

Since the coffee plant naturally evolved in Ethiopia, beans from different subregions exhibit their own genetically distinct characteristics. Each small town in Ethiopia has its own set of unique coffee plants.

For true coffee lovers, Ethiopia is considered their spiritual home, much like how wine lovers wish to visit the Bordeaux region in France.

Ethiopian coffee can be either "natural," where the beans are dried inside the cherry, or "washed," where the beans are depulped before being washed.

Washed Ethiopian beans, like the one above from Bean & Bean, often have notes of jasmine and lemon. On the other hand, their natural counterparts usually have more berry-like flavors with hints of strawberry and blueberry.

Regardless, due to their unparalleled flavor profiles and high natural sugar content, Ethiopian beans are best enjoyed at a lighter roast level.

Roasting these beans dark or using them in a latte would be akin to drowning a Michelin-star meal in Heinz Ketchup. It's technically possible, but not exactly the best choice.

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2: Central American beans

Beans from Central America are often characterized as well-balanced, combining unique fruit flavors and acidity with the full cocoa and spice flavors commonly found in South American beans.

If you're unsure about your preferred flavor profile, Guatemalan beans are an excellent starting point as they offer the best of both worlds.

For a balanced flavor, opt for a light to medium roast. You can trust a reputable roaster/farm combination like Stumptown Coffee and this particular bean from El Injerto. It sets the industry standard for excellence in coffee.

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In conclusion, when it comes to finding the top coffees for AeroPress, the options may seem overwhelming, but with our guide, you can confidently explore and discover the perfect coffee beans for your Aeropress brew. Whether you prefer the fruity and floral notes of Ethiopian beans or the bold and rich flavors of Central American beans, there is a coffee out there that will satisfy your taste buds and elevate your AeroPress experience. So go ahead, experiment with different brands and varieties, and savor the art of brewing your own delicious cup of AeroPress coffee. Cheers!