What is pour over coffee?

Ah, pour over coffee, a true delight for coffee enthusiasts like you and me! Let me take you on a journey into the world of pour over coffee, where we'll explore its origins, brewing process, and why it's become a beloved brewing method for coffee connoisseurs worldwide.

Pour over coffee is a manual brewing method that involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds, allowing the water to slowly drip through a filter and extract the flavors and aromas of the coffee. It's a simple yet elegant way of brewing coffee that allows you to have full control over the brewing process, resulting in a cup of coffee that is rich, aromatic, and tailored to your taste preferences.

To make pour over coffee, you'll need a few key tools: a pour over coffee maker, a kettle, a scale, a grinder, and of course, fresh coffee beans. The most popular pour over coffee maker is the Chemex, known for its sleek design and ability to produce a clean, crisp cup of coffee. However, there are other options available, such as the Hario V60 and the Kalita Wave, each with its own unique brewing characteristics.

Now, let's dive into the brewing process. First, you'll want to heat your water to the ideal temperature, usually around 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C). This ensures optimal extraction of flavors from the coffee grounds. While the water is heating, grind your coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency, similar to sea salt.

Next, place a filter in the pour over coffee maker and rinse it with hot water. This helps remove any paper taste and preheats the coffee maker. Discard the rinse water, add the coffee grounds to the filter, and place the pour over coffee maker on top of your coffee cup or carafe.

Now, it's time to start brewing! Begin by pouring a small amount of water over the coffee grounds, just enough to wet them evenly. This is called the bloom, and it allows the coffee to release its gases and flavors. Let it sit for about 30 seconds, then slowly pour the remaining water in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward.

Take your time with the pour, allowing the water to flow through the coffee grounds at a steady pace. This helps ensure even extraction and a well-balanced cup of coffee. Experiment with different pouring techniques and coffee-to-water ratios to find your perfect brew.

Once all the water has passed through the filter, remove the pour over coffee maker, give your coffee a gentle stir to mix the flavors, and voila! You have a delicious cup of pour over coffee ready to be enjoyed.

Pour over coffee offers a unique brewing experience that allows you to appreciate the nuances and complexities of different coffee beans. It's a method that encourages experimentation and creativity, as you can adjust various factors like grind size, water temperature, and pouring technique to achieve your desired flavor profile.

So, whether you're a coffee aficionado or just starting your coffee journey, pour over coffee is definitely worth exploring. It's a beautiful combination of art and science that brings out the best in your coffee beans, ensuring a truly exceptional cup of joe every time.

Join us at Real Coffee Club as we continue to delve into the world of coffee, exploring different brewing methods, coffee makers, and everything in between. Cheers to the aromatic wonders of pour over coffee!