How to Brew the Perfect Filter Coffee Using a V60 Pour-Over
If you’re new to the wonderful world of freshly roasted coffee, brewing the perfect cup needn’t be an art form.
The V60 pour-over method, popularized by the Japanese company Hario, is renowned for producing a clean, flavourful cup of coffee.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you brew the perfect filter coffee using a V60.
What You’ll Need:
V60 dripper
V60 filter paper
Freshly ground coffee (medium-fine grind)
Gooseneck kettle (optional if starting-up)
Digital scale
Timer
Fresh, filtered water (about 200ml for a single cup)
Coffee mug or server
Step-by-Step Guide:
Prepare Your Equipment
Start by gathering all your equipment and ingredients. Place the V60 dripper on top of your mug or server. Insert the V60 filter paper into the dripper and rinse it with hot water.
(This pre-wetting process removes any paper taste and warms up the dripper and mug/server. Discard the rinse water.)
Measure and Grind Your Coffee
Weigh out 15-18 grams of coffee beans for one cup of coffee. The ratio of coffee to water can be adjusted based on your taste preference.
(I use 18g per cup, but feel free to adjust to taste)
Grind the coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency, like table salt. A consistent grind size ensures even extraction.
(If you don’t have a coffee grinder, ask your coffee roaster to grind it for you. You need it ground for a V60.)
Boil the Water
Heat the water to about (90-96°C). Using a gooseneck kettle allows for better control when pouring.
(If you don’t have a thermometer, let the water rest for a minute after its boiled)
Add Coffee Grounds
Place the V60 dripper with the rinsed filter on your scale and add the ground coffee. Tare the scale to zero, then add your ground coffee.
Bloom the Coffee
Start your timer and pour just enough water (about 30ml) to saturate the coffee grounds. This process, called blooming, allows the coffee to degas and expand, releasing trapped carbon dioxide. Let it bloom for about 30-45 seconds.
Begin the Pour-Over
After the bloom, start pouring water in a slow, circular motion, starting from the centre and moving outwards. Avoid pouring directly on the filter paper. Maintain a steady pour and aim to keep the water level consistent, not letting it drop too low. The entire pouring process should take about 2.5 to 3 minutes.
Let It Drip
Once you’ve poured all the water (about 200ml), let the coffee drip through the filter completely. This should take an additional 30 seconds to a minute.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove the V60 dripper and discard the used filter and grounds. Give your coffee a gentle swirl to mix the flavours and serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Brew
Use Fresh Coffee: Freshly roasted and ground coffee beans make a significant difference in flavour.
Consistent Grinding: Invest in a good quality burr grinder for consistent grind size.
Quality Water: Use filtered water to avoid any impurities that can affect the taste.
Temperature Control: Using water at the right temperature ensures optimal extraction of flavours.
Patience and Practice: Brewing coffee with a V60 requires a little practice. Experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios, grind sizes, and pouring techniques to find your perfect cup.
Conclusion
Brewing coffee with a V60 pour-over allows you to control every aspect of the brewing process, resulting in a clean and flavourful cup. By following these steps and refining your technique, you can enjoy a perfect filter coffee that highlights the unique characteristics of your beans.
Happy brewing!