V60 Pour-Over Coffee: A Simple, But Complete Guide

The V60 pour-over method is distinctive because it not only brings out nuanced flavors in coffee roasts, but also offers a high level of control and customization. You can adjust variables like pour rate, water temperature, and technique, allowing the creation of a very personalized cup of coffee that suits your tastes. The V60 pour-over is a favorite among those who appreciate the art and science of brewing.

Step by Step Guide:

1. Gather Your Tools
2. Rinse the Filter and Preheat the V60
3. Weigh and Grind Your Coffee
4. Bloom the Coffee Grounds
5. Begin the Pouring Process
6. Control the Pour and Timing
7. Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before we start, make sure you have all your tools at the ready:

• V60 dripper
• V60 paper filter
• Freshly roasted coffee beans (15-20 grams)
• Burr grinder
• Kettle
• Scale
• Timer
• Gooseneck kettle for precision pouring

Step 2: Rinse the Filter and Preheat the V60 

Begin by placing the paper filter in the V60 dripper and thoroughly rinsing the filter with hot water. This not only clears any paper residue, but also preheats the dripper, guaranteeing a consistent brewing temperature.

Step 3: Weigh and Grind Your Coffee

Precision is key in the V60 method. Weigh out your coffee beans (usually around 15-20 grams, depending on your taste preference) and grind them to a medium-fine consistency. The right grind size ensures optimal extraction. Again, don't be afraid to experiment in this area.

Step 4: Bloom the Coffee Grounds

Position the V60 dripper on your scale, add the ground coffee and create a small well in the center. start the brewing process by pouring hot water (approximately twice the weight of the coffee grounds) in a circular motion, saturating the grounds evenly. Allow the coffee to bloom for 30 seconds, releasing trapped gases for a more balanced extraction.

The water-to-coffee ratio for a V60 pour-over coffee typically falls within the range of 1:15 to 1:20. This means that for every gram of coffee, you would use 15 to 20 grams of water.

• For a 15-gram coffee dose with a 1:15 ratio, you would use 15 grams of coffee and 225 grams of water (15 x 15).
• For a 20-gram coffee dose with a 1:20 ratio, you would use 20 grams of coffee and 400 grams of water (20 x 20).

Adjust the ratio based on your taste preferences and the specific coffee beans you're using.

Step 5: Begin the Pouring Process

Start your timer (see below for timing recommendations) and pour hot water in a slow, spiral motion, starting from the center and moving outward. Maintain a steady pour, avoiding direct contact with the filter. This ensures an even coffee bed, guaranteeing uniform extraction.

Step 6: Control the Pour and Timing

Precision is crucial in the V60 method. Aim to complete your pour within 2-3 minutes, adjusting the water flow to maintain consistency. Experiment with pouring patterns to discover what suits you and your beans best.

Step 7: Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor

Once your pour is complete, let the remaining water drip through the coffee grounds. Remove the V60 dripper, give your coffee a gentle swirl to blend the flavors, and take a moment to experience the aroma. Your V60 pour-over masterpiece is ready for a sip!