Choosing Your Perfect Cup: Filter Coffee or Espresso?

If you are new to the coffee scene and visit specialty coffee Brisbane venues, you’ll know that you are spoilt for choice with both espresso and filter roasts.

We often get asked, what’s the difference?

‘What is filter coffee?’

‘Will I like it?’

‘Is it stronger than espresso?’

This post will hopefully answer some of these questions so you’ll feel more confident when choosing which method is right for you at your next specialty coffee beans Brisbane venue.

So, what’s the difference?

Espresso is a big boy who packs a punch. The beans, when roasted, are caramelised, intensifying the essence of flavour. The extraction, using high pressure through the coffee machine, helps to cut through the milk, so the aim is to end up with a well-rounded cup of coffee. If your coffee has a burnt or smokey flavour, it’s  likely the beans have been over-roasted.

Filter is a delicate soul with many layers. A lighter roast helps the origin of the bean flavour shine through. This might include floral or fruit flavours depending on what country the bean originated from. As the cup cools, you’ll experience lots of different flavours making it a very unique experience.

If you’re a tea lover, you’ll most likely enjoy the filter experience.

Comparing espresso and filter is like comparing a deep tissue massage with a relaxation massage or for wine lovers, a Cabernet Sauvignon with a Pinot Noir.

They’ll both do the job, it just depends on how you feel and want you need from your cup of coffee.

Is there more caffeine in a double shot espresso than a filter coffee?

Most people think so but one 2 oz double espresso shot has about 80 milligrams of caffeine, whereas a 12 oz pour over coffee has about 120 milligrams.

What affects the caffeine level in espresso and filter?

Caffeine is water soluble. It is extracted into the brew by hot water acting as a solvent. Since all brewing methods don’t yield the same percentage of caffeine, what else can affect your caffeine buzz?

Saturation

The grinds need to be 100% saturated to extract all the caffeine available.

Temperature

The ideal water temperature is near-boiling, 95-105°C. Temperature is going to make a big difference in how quickly caffeine is withdrawn from the bean. The hotter the water the quicker the caffeine will extract.

Time

Generally all of the available caffeine is released during the first minute of extraction. The brewing time of an espresso shot is from 20-30 seconds, whereas the brewing time of a filter coffee could be from 1 to 5 minutes depending on the recipe you are using.

Grind

Grind can influence how quickly caffeine is extracted. With a finer grind you have the ability to extract caffeine faster. Water reaches the surface area and saturates the grind with ease, as there is a greater contact area.

All these factors influence how quickly caffeine is extracted from coffee.

What’s the conclusion?

Quality over quantity is always best. Like all good things in life, practice moderation. Choose the brewing method you love and choose a quality specialty coffee Brisbane.

We could never pick a favourite, we love both espresso and filter equally. The best advice we can give is ask your barista what they recommend. They work with our exceptional specialty coffee Brisbane everyday and sometimes it’s fun just to jump out of your comfort zone and trying something new!