Pour-over coffee brewing is an art form that allows coffee enthusiasts to savor a rich and flavorful cup of coffee, emphasizing the nuanced taste of the beans. This method provides control over brewing variables and a personal touch to your coffee. With a little practice and some guidance, you can master the art of pour-over coffee and relish a perfect cup every time.
Shall we?
1. Start with Fresh, Quality Coffee Beans:
The foundation of great coffee is exceptional beans. Opt for high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans. The roast date should be recent to ensure optimal flavor and aroma. That's why we write our roast date on the front of our bags and roast as close to your order date as possible.
2. Choose the Right Equipment:
Invest in a good pour-over coffee maker, such as a Hario V60, Chemex, or Kalita Wave. Also, you'll need a gooseneck kettle for precise pouring, quality coffee filters, and a scale for accurate measurements.
3. Measure Your Coffee:
A standard coffee-to-water ratio is 1:15, meaning for every gram of coffee, you'll use 15 grams of water. Adjust this ratio based on your taste preferences.
4. Grind Your Coffee Correctly:
The grind size is crucial in pour-over brewing. Aim for a medium grind that resembles sea salt. Too fine or too coarse can impact the extraction and taste. When ordering Black Warrior coffee you will see the option to select medium grind for brew methods such as this.
5. Pre-wet the Filter and Preheat the Equipment:
Place the coffee filter in the dripper and rinse it with hot water. This removes any paper taste and preheats the dripper and vessel.
6. Bloom the Coffee:
Place the coffee grounds in the wet filter. Start by pouring just enough hot water (about twice the weight of coffee) to saturate the grounds. Let it bloom for about 30 seconds. This allows the coffee to degas and prepares it for full extraction.
7. Control the Pour and Brewing Time:
Maintain a steady, circular pour, starting from the center and moving outwards. Pour in stages, allowing the coffee to drip through before adding more water. Aim for a total brewing time of 3-4 minutes. We also recommend avoiding pouring water around the edge of the coffee grounds along the filter. This can cause the water to bypass the grounds giving you a watered-down brew. Try swirling the pour-over coffee maker gently instead.
8. Experiment and Tweak:
Don't be afraid to experiment with different grind sizes, water temperatures, and pouring techniques. Adjust these variables to find the perfect balance that suits your taste.
9. Savor and Enjoy:
Pour your freshly brewed coffee into your favorite mug. Take a moment to appreciate the aroma and then savor each sip, experiencing the full-bodied flavors.
10. Keep Practicing:
Like any craft, mastering pour-over brewing takes practice and patience. Keep refining your technique and take note of what works best for you.
Pour-over coffee brewing is an enriching and rewarding experience that allows you to craft your coffee just the way you like it. Enjoy the journey as you refine your technique and savor the delicious results with every pour.
For your pour-over brew, we recommend our beans from Huehuetenango, Guatemala in the medium grind size.
Feature Image: Tyler Nix