Pour Over Brew Method

What is the Pour Over Method?

The Pour Over method is a manual coffee brewing technique known for producing a clean, flavorful, and aromatic cup. By carefully pouring hot water over freshly ground coffee, the process encourages a slower, more even extraction that highlights the subtle notes and natural clarity of the beans.

This hands-on approach allows you to engage with each step of the brew, from choosing your grind size to controlling the pour itself. For many coffee lovers, this sense of involvement and precision is just as rewarding as the end result, making pour over not only a way to brew coffee but also a ritual to enjoy.

Preparation

Brew time: 3-4 minutes

Tools you'll need:

  • A pour over dripper
  • Paper filter
  • Ground coffee
  • Kettle (preferably gooseneck for an easier pour)
  • Digital scale
  • Timer
  • Mug
Find Brewing Equipment

The Process

  1. 1.

    Heat water to 90°C-94°C (just off the boil). Use a lower temperature for dark roast and a higher temperature for light roast.

  2. 2.

    Rinse the paper filter in your dripper with hot water, then discard the water. This helps seat the filter & removes residue.

  3. 3.

    Calculate your dose. Use 1g of coffee per 15-17g of water (e.g. a 350ml/350g beverage would need 20-23g coffee).

  4. 4.

    Tare your scale & wet the grounds with a small amount of water (twice the coffee weight) and wait 30 seconds.

  5. 5.

    Pour the rest of the water. Start in the middle and spiral outwards, take a pause if the filter fills up but don't let the grounds dry out before resuming the pour. Stop at your target weight/volume and enjoy!

Tips

Too Sour or Under-Extracted?

Solution: Use a finer grind, increase brew time, or slightly raise the water temperature.
Why: The coffee hasn't brewed long enough to extract the full range of flavours.

Too Weak or Watery?

Solution: Use more coffee or reduce the amount of water.
Why: The coffee-to-water ratio is too low.

Too Bitter or Over-Extracted?

Solution: Use a coarser grind, shorten brew time, or lower the water temperature slightly.
Why: The water is pulling out too many compounds, including bitter ones.

Too Strong or Overpowering?

Solution: Use a bit less coffee or increase the water slightly.
Why: The brew is too concentrated.

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