How to Make Pour Over Coffee? The Best Method and Tips

Pour over coffee is one of the simplest ways to brew a great cup with full flavor. This method gives you control over how your coffee tastes by adjusting factors like grind size, water temperature, and pouring technique. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make perfect pour over coffee every time, including the best coffee beans to use, water temperature tips, and the easiest brewing method.

Choosing the Best Coffee for Pour Over

The key to great pour over coffee is using fresh, high-quality beans. Olde Brooklyn Coffee offers a variety of options that work perfectly for this method. For pour over, medium to light roasts are often best, as they highlight the natural flavors of the beans. Here are some of our top picks for pour over coffee:

• Italian Dark Roast: If you prefer a bold, strong flavor with a smooth finish, this is an excellent choice.
• French Roast: This dark roast has a deep, intense flavor that works well for those who enjoy a fuller-bodied cup.

The Right Grind Size for Pour Over Coffee

Grind size is important for getting the best flavor. For pour over, you’ll want a medium grind, similar to the texture of sea salt. If the grind is too fine, your coffee can taste bitter. If it's too coarse, it can taste weak. Adjust your grinder until you find the right balance that suits your taste.

Best Water Temperature for Pour Over Coffee

Getting the water temperature right is crucial. For pour over coffee, you want the water to be between 195°F and 205°F. Too hot, and your coffee will taste bitter; too cold, and it will taste sour. You can use a kettle with a temperature setting or just boil the water and let it cool for 30 seconds before pouring.

Equipment You Need for Pour Over Coffee

Pour over coffee doesn’t require fancy equipment, but a few essential items can make a big difference:

• Pour Over Dripper: A V60 or Chemex are the most popular choices, but any dripper will do.
• Filters: Make sure you use the correct size filter for your dripper. Rinse the filter with hot water before you start brewing to remove any paper taste.
• Gooseneck Kettle: This allows you to control the water flow better, which helps with even extraction.
• Digital Scale: Measuring your coffee and water ensures consistency. Aim for a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio (e.g., 20g coffee to 300g water).
• Timer: Timing helps keep your brew consistent. Most pour overs take about 3-4 minutes.

How to Make Pour Over Coffee: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect pour over coffee:

1. Measure and Grind
   Use about 20 grams of coffee for 300 grams of water. Grind the coffee to a medium consistency.
2. Boil the Water
   Heat your water to about 200°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, just boil it and let it sit for 30 seconds.
3. Rinse the Filter
   Place your filter in the dripper and rinse it with hot water to remove any paper taste and warm up your dripper.
4. Add Coffee Grounds
   Add your ground coffee into the filter and gently shake the dripper to level the grounds.
5. Start the Bloom
   Pour a small amount of water (about twice the weight of the coffee grounds) over the coffee to allow it to "bloom." Let it sit for 30 seconds. This step releases trapped gases and enhances the flavor.
6. Pour the Water
   Slowly pour the remaining water in a circular motion over the grounds. Aim to pour steadily over 2-3 minutes, keeping the water level even. Don’t pour all at once—pour in stages to allow even extraction.
7. Wait and Enjoy
   Once you’ve poured all the water, let the coffee drip through. Remove the dripper, and your pour over coffee is ready to enjoy.

Tips for the Best Pour Over Coffee

• Use Fresh Beans: Freshly roasted coffee makes a huge difference in flavor.
• Pour Slowly and Steadily: Even pouring ensures even extraction, leading to better flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Bloom: The bloom is essential for releasing the full flavor of your coffee.
• Right Temperature: Water that’s too hot or too cold can ruin your coffee. Stick to the recommended range for the best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Brewing Pour Over Coffee

To get the best coffee, avoid these common mistakes:

• Pre-ground Coffee: Always use freshly ground coffee for the best flavor.
• Inconsistent Pouring: Uneven pouring can cause uneven extraction, leading to a weak or bitter brew.
• Skipping the Bloom: Skipping this step can leave your coffee tasting flat.
• Incorrect Water Temperature: Make sure your water is hot but not boiling to avoid bitter coffee.

Recommendations for Pour Over

Olde Brooklyn Coffee has a great selection of beans perfect for pour over brewing:

• Breakfast Blend: A light roast with bright, smooth flavors that work perfectly for pour over.
• Brazilian Santos: A medium roast with a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, ideal for those who prefer a balanced cup.
• Italian Dark Roast: Bold and rich, this coffee provides a strong, full-flavored cup that holds up well in a pour over.

FAQs

How much coffee should I use for pour over?
The ideal coffee-to-water ratio for pour over coffee is 1:15 or 1:16, which means for every gram of coffee, you should use 15-16 grams of water. A standard starting point is 20 grams of coffee to 300 grams (or milliliters) of water. You can adjust this ratio based on how strong or weak you prefer your coffee. Remember, using a digital scale ensures you get consistent results each time.

What grind size is best for pour over coffee?
For pour over coffee, a medium grind is typically recommended, similar in texture to sea salt. This allows for an even extraction without over- or under-extracting the coffee. If your grind is too fine, the coffee can taste bitter because of over-extraction. If it’s too coarse, you might end up with a weak, under-extracted brew. If you're unsure, start with a medium grind and adjust slightly based on your taste preferences.

Can I use dark roast coffee for pour over?
Yes, you can use dark roast coffee for pour over, though medium and light roasts are more commonly recommended. Dark roasts have bolder, richer flavors and can work well if you prefer a strong, full-bodied cup. However, be mindful of the water temperature and brewing time to avoid over-extraction, as dark roast beans are more prone to bitterness if brewed incorrectly.

Is a gooseneck kettle necessary for pour over?
While a gooseneck kettle is not absolutely necessary, it is highly recommended for pour over coffee. The gooseneck spout gives you more control over the water flow, allowing for a steady, slow pour. This even pouring helps extract the coffee properly, resulting in a balanced, flavorful cup. If you’re serious about making perfect pour over coffee, investing in a gooseneck kettle can make a noticeable difference.

What’s the best water temperature for pour over coffee?
The optimal water temperature for pour over coffee is between 195°F and 205°F (90°C to 96°C). If the water is too hot, it can cause over-extraction, leading to a bitter taste. If it’s too cold, under-extraction may occur, resulting in a sour or flat cup. You can either use a temperature-controlled kettle or let boiled water sit for 30 seconds before pouring to hit the ideal range.

Why is my pour over coffee too bitter?
If your pour over coffee tastes too bitter, it’s likely due to over-extraction. This can happen if the water temperature is too high (over 205°F), the grind size is too fine, or the brewing time is too long. To fix this, try using slightly cooler water, adjusting the grind to a coarser setting, and making sure your total brew time is within the recommended 2.5 to 4 minutes.

Pour over coffee is a simple yet precise way to brew coffee that brings out the best flavors in your beans. With the right coffee, water temperature, and a little practice, you can make a cup of coffee that tastes just the way you like it. Olde Brooklyn Coffee offers a variety of beans that are perfect for pour over, ensuring you get a fresh, flavorful cup every time. Try different beans, adjust your grind, and experiment with water pouring techniques to find your perfect brew.