
Welcome to the world of artisan craft coffee, where every cup tells a story of the coffee's origin, careful selection, and roasting expertise. So many people have had a share in getting the coffee to your cup, from the farmer, to the washing station, to the roaster, and finally to you. Pour-over coffee is a brewing method designed to preserve and experience the nuanced flavor profiles painstakingly cultivated by each person in the process. In this guide, we'll delve into the art of pour-over brewing, ensuring that every cup you brew is a testament to craftsmanship and flavor.
Ingredients for Success:
Before diving into the brewing process, let's gather our ingredients:
Freshly roasted craft coffee: Seek out beans from reputable roasters who prioritize quality and freshness. Opt for whole bean single-origin varieties to truly appreciate the unique flavors of different coffee regions.
Filtered water: Water quality significantly impacts the taste of your coffee. Brewed coffee is 98% water, so make sure to use filtered water to avoid any unwanted flavors or impurities.
Pour-over coffee maker: Popular choices include the Hario V60, Chemex, or Kalita Wave. Each dripper offers its own brewing experience, so feel free to experiment and find the one that suits your preferences.
Burr grinder: Consistency is key when it comes to coffee grind size. Invest in a burr grinder to achieve uniform grounds, enhancing extraction and consistency.
Scale and timer: Precision is essential in pour-over brewing. Use a scale to measure your coffee and water accurately, and a timer to monitor the brewing process and make sure your process is repeatable. Some scales have an integrated timer; I use my trusty phone timer.
Gooseneck kettle: The narrow spout of a gooseneck kettle allows for precise control over pouring, important for even extraction.
Brewing Method:
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let's embark on the brewing journey:
Preparation: Begin by heating your filtered water to around 200°F (93°C) or off boil. Meanwhile, weigh out your coffee beans and grind them to a medium-course consistency. Not quite kosher salt, more like beach sand.
Rinse the Filter: Place the filter in your pour-over dripper and rinse it with hot water to remove any papery taste. Discard the rinse water.
Add Coffee: Place the pour-over dripper on top of your brewing vessel and add the ground coffee to the filter.
Bloom: Start your timer and pour enough water to wet all the grounds, allowing them to bloom for about 30 seconds.
Pouring Technique: After the bloom, pour water slowly and steadily in a circular motion, ensuring all the grounds are saturated. Maintain a consistent pour rate until you've poured all the water.
Brewing Time: Aim for a total brewing time of 3-4 minutes. Adjust grind size or pour rate if needed to achieve this.
Serve and Enjoy: Once all the water has passed through the coffee grounds, remove the pour-over dripper, swirl the brewed coffee in the vessel, and pour into your favorite mug. Take a moment to appreciate the aroma and flavors of your meticulously brewed cup.
Check out our printable 4x6 brew guides below!



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