Mastering the Pour Over: A Brew Guide
The pour-over method is cherished for its ability to highlight the intricate flavors and aromas of your coffee. With its hands-on approach, this brewing method allows you to extract a clean and vibrant cup. Follow this guide from Stanford Alumni Craft Coffee to perfect your pour-over technique.
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
You’ll need a pour-over dripper (such as a Hario V60 or Chemex), paper filters, a coffee grinder, fresh Stanford Alumni Craft Coffee beans, a kettle, a timer, a scale, and a stirrer.
Step 2: Boil the Water
Boil water and let it cool for about 30 seconds. The ideal water temperature for pour-over brewing is between 195°F and 205°F (90°C – 96°C).
Step 3: Grind the Coffee
Weigh out 25 grams of coffee and grind it to a consistency similar to coarse sea salt. Freshly ground coffee will ensure the best flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Dripper
Place the paper filter in the dripper and rinse it with hot water to remove any paper taste and to preheat the dripper. Discard the rinse water.
Step 5: Add Coffee and Bloom
Place the dripper on your mug or carafe and add the ground coffee. Tare the scale to zero. Start your timer and pour 50 grams of hot water over the grounds, ensuring all the coffee is saturated. Allow it to bloom for 30-45 seconds. This step releases gases and preps the coffee for extraction.
Step 6: Begin Pouring
Starting from the center and moving outward in a spiral motion, slowly pour water over the coffee grounds, maintaining a steady and gentle pour. Pour in stages, allowing the water level to drop slightly before adding more. Aim for a total brew time of about 3-4 minutes.
Step 7: Complete the Pour
Continue pouring until you reach 400 grams of water. Ensure an even extraction by maintaining a consistent pouring speed and water level.
Step 8: Stir and Serve
Once the water has fully drained through the coffee grounds, remove the dripper and give the coffee a gentle stir to mix the flavors. Pour the freshly brewed coffee into your favorite mug. Additional Tips
- Experiment with different grind sizes and pouring techniques to find your preferred flavor profile.
- Try using a gooseneck kettle for more control over your pour.
- Keep your equipment clean to ensure the best taste in every cup.
Experience the art of pour-over brewing with Stanford Alumni Craft Coffee, and savor the nuanced flavors and aromas that this method brings to your cup.