Espresso, V60, Chemex or French Press? A Simple Guide to Choosing Your Brew

Ever looked at a coffee menu and wondered whether you should order an espresso, V60, Chemex or French Press? 

The brewing method can significantly change how coffee tastes. Some methods create a concentrated, intense cup, while others highlight clarity, aroma or body. 

If you are exploring Specialty Coffee in Dubai, understanding a few popular brewing methods can help you order based on the flavours and experience you actually enjoy. 

Quick Guide: Which Brewing Method Should You Choose? 

Espresso: Bold and Strong 
Espresso is made by pushing hot water through finely ground coffee. This creates a small, concentrated cup with a bold and rich flavour. Espresso is also the base for popular drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites.

Try espresso if: you enjoy strong coffee or your favourite milk-based coffee drinks. 

V60: Light and Flavourful 
V60 is a pour-over method where hot water is slowly poured over ground coffee through a paper filter. It usually creates a clean, lighter cup that makes it easier to notice the different flavours and aromas of the coffee beans.

Try V60 if: you enjoy lighter coffee and want to explore the unique flavours of different beans. 

Chemex: Clean and Smooth 
Chemex is also a pour-over brewing method. Coffee is brewed through a special paper filter using its recognisable glass brewer. The result is usually a smooth, clean and easy-to-drink cup with less intensity than espresso.

Try Chemex if: you prefer smooth coffee with a clean taste that you can enjoy slowly. 

French Press: Rich and Full-Bodied 
With a French Press, ground coffee is mixed directly with hot water and left to brew before a plunger separates the coffee grounds from the drink. 
 
This method creates a richer, fuller cup with more texture than most filtered coffee methods.

Try French Press if: you enjoy rich coffee with a fuller and heavier feel. 

How Do I Choose My Coffee?

If you’re unsure what to order, start with your usual preferences. 

Like bold and concentrated coffee? Start with espresso. 

Prefer clean and delicate flavours? Try V60.  

Want something smooth to enjoy slowly? Consider Chemex.  
 Enjoy a richer, fuller-bodied cup? French Press could be your choice. 

As you experiment, you may find that your preferred brewing method changes depending on the beans and flavour profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is V60 stronger than espresso? 
They provide different experiences. Espresso is much more concentrated, while V60 generally produces a larger, filter-style cup with greater clarity. 

What is the difference between V60 and Chemex? 
Both are pour-over methods, but differences in brewer design and filtration can produce different body, clarity and flavour characteristics. 

Which method is best for someone new to specialty coffee? 
It depends on your existing preferences. Espresso is suitable for those who enjoy concentrated coffee, while V60 or Chemex can make it easier to explore subtle characteristics in different beans. 

Can the same coffee beans taste different with different brewing methods? 
Yes. Grind size, extraction, filtration and brewing technique can influence which characteristics of the coffee become most noticeable. 

One Bean, Different Experiences 

Coffee doesn’t have to taste the same every time. Changing the brewing method can reveal something different in the cup. 

The next time you’re choosing between espresso, V60, Chemex or French Press, choose based on the experience you want. 

Visit Excelsa Café in Al Garhoud, Dubai, and discover which brew suits you.