The Ultimate Guide to Pour Over Coffee Brewing

Pour over coffee brewing is an art form that allows you to extract the full potential of your coffee beans. This manual brewing method gives you complete control over every variable, resulting in a clean, bright, and flavorful cup.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to master the pour over technique and brew exceptional coffee at home.

Why Choose Pour Over?

Pour over brewing offers several advantages over other brewing methods:

Complete control over brewing variables (water temperature, pour speed, timing)
Clean taste profile with bright, distinct flavors
Highlighting origin characteristics of specialty coffee beans
Minimal equipment required - perfect for home brewing
Meditative brewing process that connects you with your coffee

Essential Equipment

Before we dive into the technique, let's cover the essential equipment you'll need:

Must-Have Items

Pour over dripper (V60, Chemex, or Kalita Wave)
Coffee filters (matching your dripper)
Gooseneck kettle for precise water control
Digital scale for accurate measurements
Coffee grinder (burr grinder preferred)
Timer for consistent brewing

Optional Upgrades

Temperature-controlled kettle
Coffee refractometer for advanced brewing
Multiple dripper types for experimentation

The Perfect Pour Over Recipe

Here's our tried-and-tested recipe for exceptional pour over coffee:

Coffee-to-Water Ratio

Standard ratio: 1:15 to 1:17 (1g coffee to 15-17g water)
For lighter roasts: Use 1:15 ratio for more intensity
For darker roasts: Use 1:17 ratio to avoid over-extraction

Grind Size

Medium-fine grind - similar to kosher salt
Adjust based on taste: Finer for faster flow, coarser for slower flow

Water Temperature

Optimal range: 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C)
Light roasts: Use higher temperature (200-205°F)
Dark roasts: Use lower temperature (195-200°F)

Step-by-Step Brewing Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Setup

Place filter in dripper and rinse with hot water
Place dripper on scale with your cup or carafe
Heat water to target temperature
Grind 22g of coffee beans to medium-fine consistency

Step 2: Add Coffee and Create Well

Add ground coffee to filter
Create a small well in the center with your finger
Zero your scale

Step 3: The Bloom (0:00 - 0:30)

Start timer and pour 40-50g of water in circular motion
Ensure all grounds are saturated
Let coffee "bloom" for 30 seconds
Watch for CO2 release and expansion

Step 4: Main Extraction (0:30 - 2:30)

Begin second pour in slow, circular motions
Pour to 150g total weight by 1:00
Continue pouring to 250g total weight by 1:45
Finish final pour to 370g by 2:30

Step 5: Final Drip (2:30 - 3:30)

Allow coffee to finish dripping
Total brew time should be 3:00 to 3:30
Remove dripper and swirl cup gently

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Coffee Tastes Sour or Weak

Increase extraction: Use finer grind or higher temperature
Extend contact time: Pour slower or use more coffee

Coffee Tastes Bitter or Harsh

Decrease extraction: Use coarser grind or lower temperature
Reduce contact time: Pour faster or use less coffee

Uneven Extraction

Improve pour technique: Maintain consistent circular motions
Check grind consistency: Upgrade to burr grinder if needed

Recommended Coffee Beans

Pour over brewing works exceptionally well with:

Ethiopian coffees - bright, floral, and complex
Kenyan coffees - wine-like acidity and black currant notes
Colombian coffees - balanced with chocolate undertones
Central American origins - clean and sweet profiles

Taking Your Pour Over to the Next Level

Experiment with Variables

Try different coffee origins and processing methods
Adjust grind size for various flavor profiles
Experiment with water-to-coffee ratios
Practice different pouring patterns

Track Your Brews

Keep a brewing journal noting:

Coffee origin and roast date
Grind setting and brewing ratio
Water temperature and total time
Tasting notes and adjustments

Pour over brewing is a journey of discovery. Each cup offers an opportunity to refine your technique and explore the incredible diversity of coffee flavors. Start with our basic recipe, then experiment to find your perfect cup!