Pour-Over

What is Pour-Over Coffee? Pour-over coffee is a manual brewing method that allows for precise control over the brewing process. Hot water is poured over coffee grounds in a filter, and the brewed coffee drips into a cup or carafe below. This method emphasizes clarity and highlights the unique flavors of the coffee beans.

How It Works

  • Ground coffee is placed in a filter inside a pour-over brewer, such as a Hario V60, Chemex, or Kalita Wave.

  • Hot water is manually poured in a circular motion over the coffee grounds, ensuring even saturation.

  • The water extracts the coffee’s soluble compounds as it passes through the grounds and filter, resulting in a clean and flavorful cup.

Pour-Over Coffee Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Freshly roasted coffee beans.

  • Filtered water.

  • Paper or metal filter.

Equipment:

  • Pour-over brewer (e.g., Hario V60, Chemex, Kalita Wave).

  • Burr grinder.

  • Measuring scale.

  • Gooseneck kettle.

  • Timer.

Steps to Make Pour-Over Coffee:

  1. Measure Your Coffee and Water: Use a ratio of 1:15 to 1:17 coffee to water by weight. For example:

    • For 300 grams (10 ounces) of water, use 20 grams (about 3 tablespoons) of coffee.

  2. Grind Your Beans: Grind your coffee to a medium-fine consistency, similar to table salt. Adjust grind size as needed for taste.

  3. Prepare the Brewer: Place a paper filter in the pour-over brewer and rinse it with hot water. This removes any papery taste and preheats the brewer.

  4. Add Coffee Grounds: Place the measured coffee grounds into the filter and level them for even extraction.

  5. Bloom: Start your timer and pour just enough hot water (195°F to 205°F) to wet all the grounds, allowing them to bloom. Wait 30-45 seconds as the coffee releases gases and expands.

  6. Brew: Slowly pour the remaining water in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward, then back to the center. Pour in stages, maintaining an even flow rate.

    • Aim to finish pouring within 2-3 minutes, depending on the recipe and brewer.

  7. Serve: Once the brewing is complete, remove the filter, swirl the coffee in the carafe or mug, and enjoy!

What to Expect from Pour-Over Coffee

  • Flavor Profile: Pour-over coffee is known for its clean and bright flavors, with a focus on highlighting the unique characteristics of the beans.

  • Body: The paper filter removes oils and fine particles, resulting in a lighter body compared to methods like French press.

  • Aroma: The careful brewing process allows for the full expression of the coffee’s aromatic compounds, enhancing the sensory experience.

Pour-over coffee is a rewarding method for those who enjoy taking a hands-on approach to brewing and appreciate the nuances of high-quality coffee.

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French Press