Pour Over Brew Guide
Grind Size: medium to medium-fine
Brew time: 3-4 minutes
Advantages: Allows control over the brewing process, enhances the flavor, and is favored by many coffee enthusiasts.
What You'll Need:
- Pour-over dripper (e.g., Hario V60, Chemex, Kalita Wave)
- Paper filter (specific to your dripper) or reusable filter
- Coffee beans (preferably freshly ground)
- Grinder (burr grinder recommended)
- Kettle (gooseneck preferred for precise pouring)
- Scale (optional but recommended for precision)
- Timer (optional)
- Mug or carafe (to catch the brewed coffee)
Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions:
- Measure and Grind the Coffee:
- Ratio: Use a coffee-to-water ratio of about 1:15 to 1:17 by weight. For example, for 16 ounces (475 ml) of coffee, use 1 ounce (28 grams) of coffee.
- Grind Size: Grind the coffee to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to sea salt. This grind size allows for even extraction during brewing.
- Heat the Water:
- Boil water and then let it cool slightly to about 200°F (93°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, wait 30 seconds to 1 minute after boiling.
- Prepare the Filter and Dripper:
- Place the paper filter in the dripper. If you’re using a paper filter, rinse it with hot water to remove any papery taste and to preheat the dripper. Discard the rinse water.
- If you’re using a reusable filter, ensure it’s clean and positioned correctly in the dripper.
- Set Up the Dripper:
- Place the dripper on top of your mug or carafe. If you’re using a scale, place the entire setup on the scale and tare it to zero.
- Add the Coffee Grounds:
- Pour the ground coffee into the filter, leveling it out to create an even bed. Tare the scale again if using one.
- Bloom the Coffee:
- Start by pouring just enough hot water (about twice the weight of the coffee grounds) to wet all the coffee grounds. This is known as the "bloom" and allows the coffee to release trapped gases, which enhances flavor. Let it sit for 30-45 seconds.
- Pour the Water:
- Begin pouring water in a slow, circular motion starting from the center and moving outward. Pour steadily, making sure to keep the water level consistent and avoid pouring directly on the filter.
- Pour in stages: Add water in small increments, allowing it to drain through the coffee before adding more. This helps ensure even extraction. Aim to complete the pour in about 3-4 minutes, depending on your desired strength and taste.
- The total brew time, from the start of the bloom to the final pour, should be about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Serve the Coffee:
- Once the water has fully drained through the coffee grounds, remove the dripper and give the coffee a gentle swirl to mix the layers of extraction.
- Pour the coffee into your mug if you used a carafe, or simply enjoy it directly from the mug.
Tips for the Best Pour-Over Coffee:
- Use Freshly Ground Coffee: Freshly ground beans produce the best flavor. Grind just before brewing.
- Experiment with Technique: Adjust the grind size, pouring technique, and brew time to find your perfect cup.
- Control the Pour: A gooseneck kettle gives you better control over the water flow, which is crucial for even extraction.
- Rinse the Filter: Always rinse the paper filter with hot water to avoid a papery taste in your coffee.