Pour-over experience
Guide to Pour-Over Coffee:
How to Make the Perfect Cup
When it comes to brewing coffee, there’s nothing quite like the art of making pour over coffee. It’s a simple yet elegant process that allows you to take control of every step, resulting in a rich, flavorful cup that is hard not to enjoy. Assuming that you’re eager to master this method, this guide will show you exactly how to make coffee using the pour-over technique and how it compares to other popular brewing styles.
What is Pour-Over Coffee?
Pour over coffee is a manual brewing method where hot water is poured over freshly ground coffee beans in a filter, allowing the water to extract the flavors as it passes through the coffee grounds and drips into your cup. Unlike automatic pour over coffee makers or standard drip coffee machines, this method gives you complete control over the brew time, water temperature, and pouring technique, which are crucial in crafting the perfect cup.
What You Need to Get Started
Before indulging into how to make pour over coffee, make sure you have the essential tools:
Pour-Over Brewer: Popular options include the Hario V60 pour over and the Chemex.
Paper Filters: These should fit your specific brewer.
Gooseneck Kettle: For precise water flow and pouring control.
Coffee Grinder: A burr grinder is best for achieving consistent grounds.
Fresh Coffee Beans: Always go for whole beans and grind just before brewing.
Scale: While optional, using a scale ensures an accurate pour over coffee ratio.
Timer: To track your brewing time.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pour Over Coffee
Let’s dive into the steps of brewing pour over coffee to perfection.
Heat the Water
Heat water to 195-205°F (90-96°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, boil water and let it rest for 30 seconds.Grind the Coffee
The grind size matters! For V60 pour over or any similar method, a medium-coarse grind, about the texture of sea salt, works best. The recommended pour over coffee ratio is 1:15, meaning 1 gram of coffee to 15 grams of water. A good starting point is 22 grams of coffee to 330 grams of water for one cup.Rinse the Filter
Place your paper filter into the Hario V60 pour over (or your brewer of choice) and rinse it with hot water. This removes any papery taste and preheats your brewer. Discard the rinse water before adding coffee.Bloom the Coffee
Add the ground coffee to the filter and evenly distribute it. Pour just enough water to saturate the grounds—about double the coffee weight (44 grams of water for 22 grams of coffee). Let the coffee bloom for 30-45 seconds, releasing gases and enhancing flavor.Pour in Stages
After blooming, continue to pour the remaining water slowly in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward. Pour in stages, allowing the water to drip through before adding more. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes in total.Enjoy Your Coffee
Once all the water has passed through the coffee bed, remove the dripper and give your brewed coffee a gentle swirl. Now you’re ready to enjoy a perfectly crafted cup of pour over coffee.
Pour Over vs. Drip Coffee: What’s the Difference?
If you’re wondering how pour over vs drip coffee stacks up, the key difference lies in the control and flavor. Drip coffee machines are automatic, with water pouring at a consistent rate, but with less control over factors like temperature and pour speed. On the other hand, pour over coffee allows you to control every variable, from water flow to brewing time, resulting in a cleaner, more flavorful cup.
Almost like a manual car vs an automatic car but the coffee and caffeinated equivalent of it
While automatic machines can be convenient, especially with an automatic pour over coffee maker, the manual pour-over method is a favorite among coffee aficionados for its precision and quality.
Tips for a Perfect Brew
Use fresh beans: For the best flavor, use freshly roasted coffee and grind it just before brewing.
Experiment with ratios: Adjust the pour over coffee ratio to your taste. If you prefer a stronger brew, try 1:14. For a lighter taste, go for 1:16.
Practice your pouring: A steady, controlled pour will help with even extraction. If you’re using a Hario V60 pour over, practice pouring in slow circles, starting from the center and moving outwards.
Why Choose Pour-Over Coffee?
Pour-over coffee is celebrated for its ability to bring out the subtle nuances in coffee beans, offering a cleaner, brighter cup compared to drip coffee. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a hands-on brewing experience and appreciate the art of making coffee. While it takes a little longer than a drip machine or an automatic pour over coffee maker, the reward is a rich, well-balanced cup that highlights the complexities of your beans.
Whether you’re a seasoned coffee enthusiast or a beginner looking to elevate your morning brew, learning how to make pour over coffee is a rewarding process. With the right tools and technique, you’ll soon be crafting cups that are clean, bright, and full of flavor. Grab your Hario V60 pour over, heat up some water, and enjoy the meditative ritual of brewing the perfect cup of coffee.
Some recommended products that I have purchased over the years to enhance your brewing experience.
Pour over instruments
If you are doing small portions of 8-16 ozs. the Hario V60 switch has been really fun. For larger portions consider the Big Joe pour over which is made in the USA.
For gooseneck kettles I have two favorites. If you want to have a pot boiled before you wake up, consider Cosori. The bluetooth allows you to program and turn on water from the app. Life changing for those in a rush. Otherwise I prefer this budget pot with a digital handle. It’s been a good one since the beginning.
For coffee grinders, I recently fell in love with this kitchen aid that on average is $140. Very versatile for any coffee grinding and a great cornerstone to starting a café in in your kitchen. Otherwise if you’re on a budget, the Krupp’s spice grinder will get the job done.
Written by Jalal Hluchan, product recommendations by The Traveling Shepherd.