7 Steps to Mastering the Pour-Over: A Complete Guide For Beginner

Want to unlock the true potential of your coffee beans and elevate your daily brew to a truly immersive experience? Then, my friend, it's time to master the art of pour-over coffee. This elegant method allows for precise control over the brewing process, highlighting the unique character and nuances of your favourite coffee, letting the distinct flavour of each origin shine. It’s not just making coffee; it’s about embarking on a personal journey with each cup. This guide will take you through each step, allowing you to create the perfect brew at home. Let's embark on this journey together to perfect your pour-over technique!

Quick Recipe Overview

For a great start to your pour-over journey, consider these recommendations:

• Suitable Beans: Single-origin beans from our "Venus" or "Earth" planets are excellent for pour-over, highlighting their bright acidity and balanced flavors.

• Water-to-Coffee Ratio: A 1:15 ratio is a good starting point.

  • Example: For 15 grams of coffee, use 225 ml of water.

  • Example: For 20 grams of coffee, use 300 ml of water.

  • Adjust this ratio to your preference once you’re comfortable!

Equipment You'll Need

Before we get started, make sure you have the following tools assembled:

• Pour-Over Dripper (e.g., Hario V60, Kalita Wave)

• Pour-Over Filters (compatible with your dripper)

• Gooseneck Kettle

• Coffee Grinder (burr grinder recommended)

• Kitchen Scale

• Timer

• Your favorite Nine Planets Coffee beans

Step 1: Heat the water

• Heat filtered water to a temperature between 90°C to 96°C (195°F - 205°F). The correct temperature is critical for optimal extraction. A gooseneck kettle allows for a more precise pouring.
  

Use a gooseneck kettle to do pour water coffee

Step 2: Grind your Coffee

• Grind your coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency. The grounds should be a bit coarser than for espresso but finer than for a French press. The correct grind size ensures the proper extraction.
  

Grind your coffee beans using a burr grinder.

(Example: Hand grinder as above)

Step 3: Prepare the filter and dripper

• Place the filter into the dripper and set it over a mug or decanter.

• Pour some hot water over the filter to preheat the dripper and also rinse away any paper taste. Discard the water.

Place the filter in the dripper.

Step 4: Bloom the coffee

• Add the ground coffee to the filter, and place the setup on the scale.

• Tare the scale to zero and begin to add approximately double the amount of water to the amount of coffee you used. For example, if you added 15g of coffee add 30g of water. Allow the coffee to "bloom" for 30-45 seconds. This allows the coffee to release trapped gasses.
  

Pour water over the coffee grounds to "bloom" the coffee.

Step 5: Pour Slowly and Steadily

• Begin your first pour. Slowly pour the remaining water in a spiral motion, making sure to wet all the coffee grounds. The pour should be consistent and steady. Pause if the water level rises too high. This ensures consistent extraction.

Pour water over the coffee grounds in a spiral motion.

Step 6: Monitor and Continue Pouring

• Continue pouring the water in intervals of 30-45 second intervals. The total brew time should be between 2.5 minutes and 4 minutes. This will vary depending on how coarse or fine you have ground the coffee.

Monitor the brew while you pour, using a timer.

Step 7: Enjoy!

• Remove the filter, discard the coffee grounds and enjoy the taste of your perfect pour-over.

Enjoy you pour over coffee.

Tips for Success:

• Fresh is Best: Always use freshly roasted, whole-bean coffee and grind right before brewing.

• Precision is Key: Ensure accurate measurements for both coffee grounds and water.

• Water Temperature: Consistent water temperature is key to extraction.

• Steady Flow: Maintain a steady and even pour for the best extraction.

• Patience: Do not rush the brewing process.

Troubleshooting:

• Bitter Taste: This may be caused by over-extraction. Reduce brew time, use a coarser grind or slightly cooler water.

• Sour Taste: May be caused by under-extraction. Increase brew time, use a finer grind, or use hotter water.

• Slow Drainage: Might be caused by too fine of a grind, or too much coffee.

• Uneven Extraction: Improper pouring technique may cause some coffee grounds to be over and under extracted. Try different pouring patterns to ensure all grounds are wet.

Ready to explore the possibilities of flavor? Discover our carefully selected single-origin coffees, perfect for your pour-over journey, in our Shop.

Want to learn more about other brewing methods? Check out our blog for guides on the French Press and Aeropress!

Conclusion:

You've now taken your first steps to unlocking the true potential of your coffee. The pour-over technique, with its focus on precision and attention to detail, is a rewarding journey to perfect. With a little practice and a keen eye for detail, you'll soon be brewing coffee that is out of this world. Now go forth, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Keep exploring the universe of flavours, one sip at a time.