Mastering the Art of Pour-Over Coffee: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Best Brew
Ever wanted to make a perfect pour over but didn’t know where to start? It’s easier than you think! With a bit of prep, the right tools and (of course) the best locally roasted coffee you can find (wink, wink, nudge nudge) you’ll be well on your way!
Gooseneck Kettle and Chemex
Why Choose Pour-Over Coffee?
Before we dive into the brewing process, let's take a moment to appreciate why pour-over coffee is a beloved method among coffee enthusiasts. Pour-over brewing offers unparalleled control over your coffee extraction, allowing you to bring out the unique qualities of each coffee. It's a mindful and rewarding ritual that celebrates the artistry of coffee making.
Various Brewing Tools
Tools of the Trade
To embark on your pour-over adventure, you'll need a few essential tools:
High-quality coffee: Start with a freshly roasted, specialty coffee of your choice. The flavour begins here!
Grinder: Invest in a burr grinder to grind your coffee just before brewing. Consistency in grind size is key. It should be about the consistency of sea salt.
Pour-over dripper: There are various options available, like the Hario V60 or Chemex or our personal favourite, the Goat Story, Gina. Find the one that suits your style.
Paper filter: Choose high-quality, pre-rinsed paper filters to ensure a clean cup without any papery taste.
Gooseneck kettle: This specialized kettle provides precision pouring for ultimate control over the brewing process.
Scale: Use a digital scale to measure your coffee and water accurately.
Timer: Time your brew for consistency.
The perfect bloom
Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing Pour-Over Coffee
Now that we have everything ready, let's get brewing! Follow these steps for a heavenly pour-over coffee experience:
Step 1: Preheat and Rinse
Place your paper filter in the dripper and preheat the whole setup by pouring hot water over the filter. This helps remove any papery taste and warms up your dripper. The water temp should be at 95°c (203°f), just below boiling point (or roughly 90 seconds after your kettle boils).
Step 2: Measure and Grind
Measure your coffee grounds – a common ratio is 1:15 (eg. 30 grams of coffee to 450 grams of water). Grind your coffee to a medium-coarse consistency, resembling sea salt.
Step 3: Blooming
Start the timer and add just enough hot water (twice the weight of the coffee) to saturate the grounds fully. Allow the coffee to bloom for around 30 seconds as it releases carbon dioxide and expands, creating a "blossoming" effect.
Step 4: Brewing Phases
Now, starting at the center, begin your pour-over in gentle, expanding circles, ensuring even saturation. Divide the remaining hot water into three equal pours, pausing 30 seconds between each pour to control the brewing process. Total brew time should typically range from 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 5: Savor the Brew
Once you've poured all the water and your coffee has fully dripped through the filter, your pour-over is complete! Remove the dripper, give your coffee a gentle swirl, and pour it into your favorite mug. Take a moment to inhale the aromatic bliss before savoring each sip.
Pour over perfection
Tips for Mastery
Experiment with grind size and water temperature to find your ideal brew.
Use a slow and steady pouring technique for precise control.
Take note of your brewing parameters for future reference.
Enjoy the process and don't be afraid to explore different coffee and origins.
Brewing pour-over coffee is an art form that rewards patience and passion. As you practice, you'll hone your skills and create a truly personalized cup of coffee that speaks to your taste buds. So, grab your gooseneck kettle and let the pour-over adventure begin!
Happy brewing from humble anchor!
