0.5
TURKISH
Very finely ground coffee, resembling the texture of cocoa powder. Generally consumed unfiltered with or without sugar, and traditionally cardamom is added to boost the flavour. Historically in some cultures, marriage traditions have been linked with Turkish coffee. A potential new bride will make coffee for the mother-in-law to-be as a test of her worthiness, with failure risking shame and being gossiped about in public.
2
ESPRESSO
Fine grind. The base for the all-time favourites as cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites. Espresso originated in Italy in 1900’s from a word “esprimere” which means “to press out”. Even though many people believe the word espresso is a translation from a word “express” as in “fast”, which is not the case, that is why it is not pronounced EX-PRESS-O, but ESS-PRESS-O.
3.5
MOKAPOT
One the first home brewing revolutions was invented in 1933 in Italy. Also called stove top, caffettiera, or macchinetta. The impressive octagonal shape of a Moka Pot is internationally renowned and has been put in the National Design Museum.
4
AEROPRESS
The handy travel buddy with slightly coarser grind then espresso was invented by US engineer and inventor Alan Adler in 2005. Along with Aeropress he has designed instrumentation systems for military aircraft, nuclear reactors, and submarines, Aerobie sport toys and many others. Very impressive gentleman.
5.5
V60, KALITA
Hario (meaning “Glass King”) V60 was founded in Tokyo in 1921 by a company that was manufacturing physical and chemical use glass products. 30 years later they started to make kitchenware – which is how they curated a new coffee brewing methodology. The first cone shape dripper V60 was released in 1980. The name originates from V for the shape, and 60 for the 60 degree angle. Since then they keep adding features to the V60 dripper, to further develop and improve the product. Now the dripper can be found in, glass, ceramic, plastic, metal, and copper.
6
SYPHON
The flashy looking glass ball, entertaining all those who witness its brewing beauty. The very first syphon brewer was born in Europe in 1830s by a German company, and later in 1841 a French lady filed a patent showcasing a double “balloon” globe held by a frame. It was only in the early 20th century syphon made it to American market.
It was very popular through the 1930s – 1950s. The product experienced a steady decline during the 20th century, which has recently bounced back due to the upward trend in alternative brewing methods worldwide.
6 – 6.5
MOCCAMASTER
The Moccamaster coffee brewer is produced by a Dutch company, founded by Gerard – Clement Smit in 1964. The company focuses on using mainly locally sourced, recycled materials that can be easily exchanged once they become obsolete or worn out – minimisng their environmental impact. The Moccamaster is available in 21 colours, so consumers are definitely spoilt for choice.
8
CHEMEX
Chemex is a manual pour-over style glass coffeemaker, invented by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941, manufactured by the Chemex Corporation in Massachusetts, USA.
Chemex brewing uses a thick paper filter, which absorbs the oils and bitter notes, resulting in a super clean cup of coffee. The amazing shape of chemex and the thick heat proof glass with the wooden collar neck is found in many Museums around the world, such as Museum of Modern art in NY city, Corning Museum of Glass and MOMA, NY and also has been selected by Illinois Institute of Technology as one of the 100 best designed products of modern art.
10
COLD DRIP
This elegant eye candy method is a unique style of making “cold coffee”. It is often incorrectly interchanged with cold brew, another method of slow coffee extraction. During the cold drip process, the water gradually drips from a valve down onto the ground coffee, slowly immersing itself down the chamber of ground coffee into a container underneath.
The combination of a Japanese wooden tower and the glass parts gives it an elegant and sophisticated aesthetic. Overall the process takes between 8-12 hours, providing a very clean, sweet taste.
11
COLD BREW
Cold brew coffee has existed for many years in Japan and Europe, but it was only until the 1960s when American Todd Simpson invented the ‘Toddy’. Coarsely ground coffee powder is placed in a large paper filter bag and immersed in water, initiating a slow, brewing process.
Over a period of 12 to 24 hours, the water gradually extracts the flavours and caffeine from the coffee powder, eliciting a gentle acidity and strong coffee flavour.
15
FRENCH PRESS
Known all around the world, but under various different names. North America refer to it as French press or coffee press. In Ireland and Britain it is known as cafetiere. NZ, Australia, and South Africa refers to it as coffee plunger. Italians call it stantuffo, along with many other colloquial terms around the world.
French press is portable, easy to use, and multifunctional. Often used as a tea brewer as well, with some having the functionality to froth milk too.
