The Beginner's Guide to Brewing Perfect Pour Over Coffee

Are you ready to embark on a delightful journey into the world of coffee brewing? Look no further! In this guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of brewing pour over coffee. Pour over brewing is a simple and rewarding method that allows you to extract the fullest flavours from your coffee beans. So, grab your favourite mug and let's get started!

Equipment Needed:

Before we dive into the brewing process, let's gather the essential equipment you'll need:

• Pour Over Brewer: There are various options available, but a popular choice for beginners is the Hario V60 or the Kalita Wave. These brewers feature a cone shape with spiral ridges on the inside, which helps with even extraction.

• Paper Filters: Choose filters specifically designed for your pour over brewer. Opt for high-quality filters that trap fine sediments while allowing the flavours to pass through.

• Grinder: Invest in a burr grinder to ensure consistent and fresh coffee grounds. Burr grinders offer precise control over grind size, which is crucial for pour over brewing. A suggestion at entry level Baratza Encore ESP and a Fellow Ode Brew Gen 2 for those who want to spend a little more to access more features and quality.

• Kettle: A gooseneck kettle is ideal for pour over brewing as it provides a slow and controlled pour, enabling even saturation. Extra points awarded to kettles with variable temperature control like the Fellow Stagg EKG.

• Scale: Accurate measurements are key to a delicious cup of coffee. A digital scale will help you measure coffee and water precisely. Scales with a timer are incredibly helpful and efficient. The Acaia brand are synonymous as the barista's professional scale. However, any scale is better than no scale.

• Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans: Choose high-quality beans that suit your taste preferences. Look for beans with a roast date within two to four weeks for optimal flavour.

We have set up the ultimate pour-over bundle, which includes all the equipment required to start brewing immediately! It features well-known brands within the pour over community.

Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing Pour Over Coffee:

Step 1: Grind Your Beans

Measure 15g of your choice of coffee beans. As a general rule, the fresher the beans (i.e. check for the roasting date) the more aromatic and flavourful the brew will be. Set your grinder to a medium-fine grind size, resembling coarse sand. Grind the beans just before brewing to preserve freshness.

Step 2: Rinse the Filter

Place the paper filter in your pour over brewer and rinse it with hot water. This removes any paper residue and preheats the brewer, ensuring optimal temperature stability during the brewing process. Discard the rinse water.

Step 3: Add Coffee

Place the brewer on top of your mug or carafe. Add the ground coffee to the rinsed filter, making sure they are evenly distributed for a flat bed. Tare the scale to make sure it displays “0”.

Step 4: Begin Pouring

Start a timer and pour about 50g of hot water in a circular motion over the coffee grounds, just enough to saturate them evenly. Stir or swirl the coffee to make sure everything is wet. Allow the coffee to bloom* for 45 seconds. This initial bloom allows carbon dioxide to escape and promotes even extraction. Another benefit is the release of the coffee oils that give you that lovely aroma and flavour.

*Blooming is the formation of foam and bubbling as water is distributed over the coffee grounds.

Step 5: Pour some more!

After the bloom, pour 250g of water in a slow, controlled circular motion, starting from the centre and spiralling outward. Aim to maintain a consistent water level just below the rim of the brewer. Avoid pouring directly onto the filter to prevent over-extraction at the edges.

Step 5: Let it Drip

Once you've poured all the water, let it drip through the filter. The total brew time should be around 3.5 minutes. Adjust the grind size* and pouring technique if the coffee brews too fast or too slow. The amount of beans to coffee in the mug at the end of 3.5 minutes should be 1:15. In other words, 15g of beans should have resulted in ~225ml of coffee by 3.5 minutes.

*If there is too much coffee, grind the beans finer; conversely if there isn’t enough coffee, grind the beans coarser.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Once the coffee has finished dripping, remove the brewer from your mug or carafe. Give the coffee a gentle stir to ensure even distribution of flavours. Now, take a moment to appreciate the enticing aroma and indulge in your freshly brewed pour over coffee.

Congratulations! You've successfully made your first pour over brew! With a little practice and experimentation, you'll be able to fine-tune your technique and create a cup of pour over coffee that perfectly suits your taste preferences. Remember, the key to achieving a great cup of coffee lies in using fresh, high-quality beans, precise measurements, and maintaining consistency throughout the brewing process. A lot of roasters will provide you a “recipe” if you ask them. They will typically provide you with:

• Water temperature

• Coffee bean weight

• Coffee ratio

• Brew time

Here are a few additional tips to enhance your pour over brewing experience:

1. Water Temperature: Aim for water temperature between 195°F and 205°F (90°C to 96°C) for optimal extraction. If you don't have a thermometer, simply boil water and let it cool for about 30 seconds before pouring. Temperature will also depend on the roast level. You can find out more on how roast level affects your brew here. 

2. Brew Time: Experiment with different brew times to find your preferred balance of flavours. If the coffee tastes too weak, try extending the brew time slightly. If it tastes bitter or over-extracted, reduce the brew time. 

3. Pouring Technique: Keep a steady, slow, and controlled pour throughout the brewing process. This ensures even saturation and extraction of the coffee grounds.

4. Cleanliness: Regularly clean your pour over brewer and filters to prevent any build-up of oils or residues. This will help maintain the integrity of the flavours and ensure a clean cup of coffee every time. 

5. Bean-to-Water Ratio: Play around with different ratios to discover your ideal strength. A general starting point is 1:15 (1 part coffee to 15 parts water), but feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.

Remember, the journey to brewing the perfect pour over coffee is all about experimentation and finding what works best for you. Don't be afraid to try different coffee beans, grind sizes, and pouring techniques to unlock new flavours and nuances.

So go ahead, embrace the art of pour over brewing, and savour the rich aromas and flavours in every sip. With practice and a passion for coffee, you'll soon become a skilled pour over barista. Enjoy your coffee brewing adventures!