How to Make Pour-Over Coffee
Pour-over is an alternative method of brewing coffee using a dripper, sometimes called a Hario V60. The latter names are used in honor of the most popular dripper manufacturer.
Drippers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, including plastic, ceramic, and glass. Although brewing coffee in a pour-over is similar to brewing coffee in a Chemex, it results in a slightly different flavor. This type of filter brewing brings out floral and fruity flavors in the coffee.
You need
- Coffee (for the best flavor, use whole bean coffee and grind the right amount just before brewing);
- Coffee grinder (it’s better to get a good hand grinder than a cheap electric one);
- Coffee dripper (optimum size is 01 or 02);
- Paper filter (should be the size of a drip cup);
- Water (an important component of coffee, read how to choose water for brewing coffee);
- Scale (without a scale, it will be difficult for you to control the process);
- Timer (you can use the timer on your phone, but it is better if the timer is built into the scale);
- Kettle with a thin spout (it will simplify the pour-over brewing process a hundred times).
Grind Size
For a pour-over coffee, it’s best to grind the beans to a medium consistency. This means the beans should be coarser than those for an espresso, but finer than those for a French press. However, it’s important to experiment with the grind size to find the perfect taste for you.
When grinding coffee at home, it’s not recommended to use a cheap electric coffee grinder, especially one with a blade mechanism. Instead, a manual coffee grinder with ceramic burrs and the ability to adjust the grind size with a simple manual mechanism is the best option for home use. Popular brands such as Hario offer coffee grinders that are suitable for this purpose.
It’s also important to note that it’s not recommended to use different grind sizes to brew a drink, as this can result in unpredictable flavor.
Coffee Dosage
To brew a cup of coffee with a V60 dripper, we recommend using 15 grams (0.5 oz) of coffee per 250 ml of water. We do not recommend measuring coffee by eye, as even slight variations in the proportions can significantly affect the result. To ensure consistent results, it is best to weigh the coffee before each brew using a scale with 0.1 g increments, which is standard on most beverage scales.
If you change the amount of coffee you are using, you will need to adjust the grind accordingly, as the brew speed will also change. As a general rule, the more coffee you use, the coarser the grind should be. However, it is recommended that you stick to the ratio of 15 grams (0.5 oz) of coffee to 250 ml of water for brewing one cup. This will help you achieve the best possible results.
Water Temperature
To make the perfect cup of coffee using the pour-over method, it’s important to use water that’s at the optimal temperature of 92-95°C. To achieve this, bring the water to a boil and allow it to cool for one minute. It’s recommended that you use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the water, and kettles with a thin spout often have a compartment for convenient temperature measurement. When choosing a thermometer, it’s best to choose one that has a one-degree graduation between divisions. Alternatively, a kettle with a built-in temperature sensor can be a convenient solution.
Coffee Distribution
First, place a paper filter in the dripper and pour 200 ml of hot water (over 90 degrees) through it. Then, discard the water. This process helps to eliminate any paper taste and prepares the filter for the coffee.
Next, pour the ground coffee into the filter and gently tap the dripper to evenly distribute the coffee. You can also use a glass or wooden stick to help with this step.
Blooming
The first step in the coffee brewing process is called blooming. This step is essential to enhance the flavor of the coffee and ensure a consistent extraction. For pouring water, it is recommended to use a kettle with a thin spout that is easier to control. There are other devices available, but they are not as convenient.
For blooming, the volume of water should be three times the coefficient in relation to the weight of the coffee. For example, if you are using 15 grams (0.5 oz) of coffee, you need to add 45 grams (1.6 oz) of water. Start the timer and wait 30 seconds before pouring the remaining water.
Water Pouring
After the grounds have bloomed, slowly and carefully pour water in a circular motion, starting from the center of the coffee and moving toward the edges, until the total amount of water reaches 250 ml.
There are two main methods of pouring water: interval and single. The one-time method involves pouring all the water at once, while the interval method involves pouring the water in several portions. The interval method is better for intensifying the extraction and getting more substances from the coffee.
Beverage Readiness
The recommended brewing time for coffee is between 2.5 and 3.5 minutes. It is recommended to aim for 3 minutes. Note, however, that when brewing decaffeinated coffee, the brew time may be increased to 4 minutes for a fuller flavor.
After brewing, shake the beverage in a coffee pot or glass to aerate.