The pour-over method is a favourite among coffee enthusiasts for its ability to highlight the intricate flavors and aromas of high-quality coffee beans. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned barista, our step-by-step guide will help you brew the perfect pour-over coffee.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pour-Over Brewing
1. Gather Your Equipment
- Pour-Over Dripper (such as a Hario V60, Chemex, or Cold Brewer)
- Paper Filter (specific to your dripper type)
- Coffee Beans (all our blends are recommended)
- Grinder
- Kettle (preferably with a gooseneck spout for precise pouring)
- Scale (optional, for precise measurements)
- Timer
- Mug or Carafe
2. Measure and Grind Your Coffee
- Coffee-to-Water Ratio: A common ratio is 1:16 (1 gram of coffee to 16 grams of water). For a 12-ounce cup, use about 21 grams of coffee to 336 grams of water.
- Grind Size: Use a medium-coarse grind, similar to sea salt. A consistent grind ensures even extraction and prevents over-extraction, which can lead to bitterness.
3. Boil and Cool Your Water
- Water Temperature: Heat your water to just below boiling, around 200°F (93°C). If you don't have a thermometer, bring the water to a boil and let it sit for 30 seconds.
4. Prepare the Dripper and Filter
- Place Filter: Insert the paper filter into the dripper.
- Pre-rinse Filter: Pour hot water through the filter to preheat the dripper and rinse away any paper taste. Discard the rinse water before brewing.
5. Add Coffee Grounds
- Add Grounds: Place the ground coffee into the filter, shaking gently to level the grounds.
6. Start the Pour
- Bloom: Start by pouring a small amount of water (about twice the weight of the coffee) over the grounds, ensuring all are saturated. Let it bloom for 30-45 seconds. This allows gases to escape and prepares the coffee for even extraction.
- Pour in Circles: After the bloom, continue pouring water in a slow, steady spiral motion, starting from the center and moving outward, then back to the center. Avoid pouring directly on the filter.
- Maintain Even Level: Keep the water level consistent and avoid letting the grounds dry out during the pour.
7. Finish the Pour
- Total Brew Time: Aim for a total brew time of about 3-4 minutes. Adjust your grind size or pour rate if your brew time is too short or too long.
Tips for the Perfect Pour-Over Coffee
- Freshness Matters: Use freshly roasted beans and grind them just before brewing for the best flavour.
- Consistent Pour: Use a gooseneck kettle for better control over the pouring process.
- Experiment: Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio and grind size to find your preferred strength and flavor.
- Clean Equipment: Regularly clean your dripper and kettle to maintain optimal flavour.