Brewing Excellence: The 2019 World AeroPress Championship Winning Method

To brew like a world champion, one must look beyond the simple mechanics of pressing coffee. This specific method, developed by Wendelien van Bunnik for the 2019 World AeroPress Championship, prioritizes high-extraction efficiency and intentional dilution. By using a massive coffee dose against a small initial water volume, we create a concentrate that highlights vibrant acidity while bypassing the dry, bitter finish often found in lower-quality extractions.

Tools and Materials Needed

Quality results demand precision. Gather your AeroPress, a high-quality burr grinder like the Comandante Grinder, and a digital scale. For the coffee, select a washed variety with bright potential, such as the Pacas coffee used in the original winning run. You will also need Aesir filters—or two standard paper filters—to ensure a clean, sediment-free body.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Coffee: Grind 30 grams of coffee coarsely. On a Comandante, this translates to roughly 30 clicks.
2. The Inverted Setup: Place your AeroPress in the inverted position. Add the coffee grounds to the chamber.
3. The Initial Bloom: Pour 100 grams of 92°C soft water. This water should be exceptionally low in mineral content; if using Third Wave Water, use only a quarter of a packet to mimic the champion's profile.
4. Agitation: Stir the slurry vigorously 20 times with your paddle to ensure every particle is saturated.
5. Seal and Flip: Attach the cap with a rinsed filter. Press out the excess air. At 40 seconds, flip the device onto your vessel and plunge firmly.
6. The Bypass: Dilute this intense concentrate with 120 grams of fresh 92°C water.
7. Thermal Management: Pour the brew back and forth between two vessels until it hits the ideal serving temperature of 60°C.

Tips and Troubleshooting

If the cup tastes muddy, your filter is the culprit. The Aesir filters provide a thicker barrier that mimics the clarity of a Chemex. If the acidity feels muted, check your water hardness. Using water that is too mineral-heavy will mask the delicate floral and fruit notes this recipe aims to amplify. Remember, the goal is a clean, tea-like clarity that celebrates the bean's origin.

A Masterclass in Clarity

Executing this recipe results in a cup that balances power with elegance. By controlling the temperature and the cooling process, you allow the complex sugars to shine. This isn't just a cup of coffee; it is a disciplined approach to extraction that transforms the AeroPress into a professional-grade precision tool.