Huddle x The Gentlemen Baristas: The Christmas Cuppa Coffee Guide
Java, jitter juice, cup of Joe, whatever you want to call it, coffee is a staple in many people’s lives across the globe. You’ve got strong drip coffee balanced with the sweetness of condensed milk in Vietnam, classic espresso in Italy and stronger than strong grit-still-in coffee in Turkey. Whatever your taste, there’s something for you. Many of us find that it’s especially important in the mornings before work, which is why we offer unlimited bean-to-cup coffee in our Hammersmith coworking space. Don’t worry, we got you!
Gone are the days when you could only get specialty coffee in the coffee shop. These days it’s easier than ever to create a brew your own way with the array of equipment widely available. We asked our friends at The Gentlemen Baristas to give us the low-down of the most popular brewing methods and the bean grind type you will need for each one. We’ve linked some of their lovely gift bundles too which would make the perfect present for the coffee lovers in your life.
Aeropress
Best grind type: Medium
The aeropress took the world by storm after it was originally invented in 2005 by Alan Adler. The AeroPress is the first coffee maker that combines affordability and simplicity whilst still producing a high quality cup of coffee in just 30 seconds. The device utilises a breakthrough in the coffee brewing process to yield the smoothest, richest coffee that you have ever tasted. One review even states “If I were a robot, the AeroPress would be my arm”.
A very popular gift from the Gentlemen Baristas is the Aeropress Bundle complete with AeroPress coffee maker, 2x Brewer cups and 250g Roaster’s choice filter coffee. Click here to purchase.
Stovetop
Best grind type: Medium
Every espresso drinker needs a Moka espresso-style pot in their life. This beautifully designed maker is an icon of home-brewed coffee.
It works by passing boiling water pressurised by steam through ground coffee, and it’s named after the city of Mocha in Yemen.
The gentlemen barista’s Moka Bundle is perfect for people who believe the best coffee comes in small cups. Coming with two espresso cups and a bag of coffee included, this stylish addition to your kitchen will deliver high quality coffee every time. Click here to find out more.
V60
Best grind type: fine/medium
The V60 is the classic coffee dripper that helps you filter and brew coffee to exacting standards. It has become one of the most widely used brewing methods in specialty coffee shops around the world due its consistency and the ability of the brewer to have complete control over the strength and body of the coffee.
The v60 bundle from The Gentlemen Barista is great value and comes with a server and a bag of their most popular coffee, making it the perfect gift for home-brew beginners. Find it here.
Cafetiere (French press)
Best grind type: Extra course
Also known as the French press, The cafetiere method involves fully immersing the coffee throughout the brew time, meaning a larger, coarse grind is needed. They are a simple and cheap way of preparing fresh coffee. The story goes that an old French man would escape his nagging wife by going on long walks carrying with him a tin coffee pot. When boiling the coffee over the fire, he found that the coffee grounds floating in the top were unpleasant and created a plunger with some wire gauze to capture the coffee grounds leaving smooth coffee. Who knows if that’s true, but all I know is I love fresh coffee!
The Gentlemen Baristas have a huge choice of coffee beans which can be ground to perfection for your cafetiere. Find them here.