I have a new travel companion: An AeroPress coffeemaker.

For the longest time I’ve been trying to figure out how to have a great cup of coffee, actually espresso, the first thing in the morning when I travel. I’ve even toyed with the idea of bringing my Capresso Espresso machine as a carry-on.

Oh sure, most hotels have coffee pots in their rooms. But those packaged coffee sachet-like, pre-measured bags don’t brew the most flavorable coffeeare not the most flavorable. And there’s mothing like a hot, full flavored cup of joe.

The AeroPress has come to my java rescue. It’s compact for easy packing and, because it’s made of plastic, it’s light. For the best-tasting coffee, I bring my own pre-ground coffee. I use the hotel coffee pot to heat the water and position my AeroPress on top of one of the coffee mugs provided. Bingo! I have a great cup of coffee in seconds.

I’m not the only fan of brew from the AeroPress. Alaine Nolt, who with her husband, Carl, owns Serranos Coffee Co. in Monument, lovesthe AeroPress it, too.

“We like it for the quality of coffee it brews, in a very short time,” she said. “Any type of coffee can be used, which makes it a fantastic way to try a new coffee. The results are a beautiful, smooth brew which showcases the coffee.”

She prefers it over the French Press, which I have been known to take on trips, too.

“The traditional French Press has long been a favorite for the coffee drinker who is looking for a rich, intense, flavorful cup of coffee,” she said. “Now, the AeroPress is being noticed.”

The AeroPress makes a strong short cup of coffee that, for me, fills the bill for an espresso. There’s no bitterness, and the coffee acidity is lower than most home brews. From start to finish it takes only about 30 seconds to make a cup of coffee.

“It’s a full-immersion brewing system, which means that all the coffee grinds are equally wet,” she said. “That’s what creates the full flavor. And, there are no grounds left behind in the cup like might happen with the French Press.”

If you’d like to try an AeroPress before buying, you can do that at the drip bar at Serranos.

“Customers may choose any of our custom roasted coffees and choose the AeroPress or French Press method,” she said. “Customers are in awe of the flavor, the efficiency, and the no-mess clean up.”

Serranos Coffee Co. is at 625 Colorado 105 (next to Vitamin Cottage) in Monument. It sells the AeroPress for $29.95 and replacement paper filters for $3.49 for 100. Call 481-9445  or visit serranoscoffee.com.

Now, if I could only figure out how to get frequent-flier miles for my new travel buddy.

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Contact Teresa J. Farney
at 636-0271, Twitter @tffoodie, Facebook Teresa Farney