Rediscovering Coffee: Why Espresso Isn't Always the Best Way to Savour Your Brew

While watching my son play cricket on a sunny Sunday morning in the picturesque Surrey Hills, a fellow parent struck up a conversation and asked me what I do for a living. When I mentioned that I'm involved in coffee roasting, he posed an intriguing question: "What do you think about espresso?"

At first, I was taken aback, finding the question somewhat unexpected. However, as I pondered my response, I realised it was a fascinating topic—one that perhaps I view differently from many others.

Espresso is undeniably an intense drink. It extracts a plethora of flavours into a small volume, offering a concentrated coffee experience. There was a time when espresso was my go-to choice for enjoying coffee outside the home, whether at work or on the move. A well-crafted espresso can be immensely rewarding, while a poorly made one can be deeply disappointing. Yet, even then, it provided the caffeine kick I sought alongside the ritual of enjoying a coffee.

Upon reflection, I suspect my preference for espresso wasn't solely about taste. Perhaps it also fulfilled a psychological need—a sense of identity or sophistication associated with sipping this potent beverage. Its small size certainly offers convenience when time is limited or after indulging in a substantial meal at a restaurant.

But this leads me to a crucial question: Is espresso truly the best way to experience all the wonderful flavours that coffee has to offer? I believe it is not.

When we cup coffees to evaluate their qualities and decide which beans to purchase, the process is remarkably simple. I place 12 grams of freshly ground coffee into a cup, add 190 millilitres of hot water, and let it brew for four minutes. After skimming off the surface, we taste the coffee. This method minimises variables that could affect comparisons between different coffees and allows us to fully experience their aromas and flavours.

Taking it a step further, pour-over methods—such as using a V60 dripper with a paper filter—can enhance this experience. In my opinion, the V60 produces a clarity in the coffee that is unmatched by any other brewing technique. It accentuates the nuanced flavours and provides a clean, crisp cup that truly showcases the bean's character.

The French Press, or cafetière, is perhaps more familiar to the general public. It's another excellent method for enjoying black coffee and, with a bit of care in preparation, can produce a brew that is as representative of the bean as the cupping method. However, the addition of a paper filter in pour-over methods like the V60 adds an extra layer of refinement, delivering clarity that particularly complements lightly roasted coffees.

There is, admittedly, one drawback to these methods compared to espresso: they take time. Perhaps the dominance of espresso in our coffee culture stems from its speed and convenience. Its intensity also lends itself well to milk-based drinks, creating a myriad of options like lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. While popular, I feel these variations often mask the inherent qualities that make speciality-grade coffee so special and enjoyable.

When people, who would not refer to themselves as keen coffee drinkers, try my coffee black, they often remark, "I don't need to add milk to this to enjoy it." This sentiment speaks volumes about our collective expectations of coffee, shaped by a culture heavily influenced by milk-oriented drinks and commercial coffee production designed to cater to that market.

In essence, coffee is a complex and diverse beverage that deserves to be appreciated in its purest form. While espresso has its place and appeals to many for its convenience and intensity, exploring other brewing methods can unlock a world of flavours and experiences. Methods like pour-over and French Press allow us to slow down and truly savour the intricate profiles of speciality coffees like our Kelloo beans.

So next time you reach for that quick espresso, consider taking a moment to try a different approach. You might just discover a new appreciation for the depth and richness that coffee has to offer.

At Fission and Bloom, we're passionate about every aspect of coffee, from sourcing the finest beans to exploring the best brewing methods. We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and taste the difference for yourself.