Let's uncover the magic of pour-over coffee! The term 'pour-over' is often used to describe a whole range of brew methods, but they all share one thing: percolation. That simply means the water flows through a bed of ground coffee and extracts the flavour along the way. Usually a filter is used as well, to keep the grounds out of your lovely cup of coffee, and those filters can range from paper and cloth to fine metal mesh.
The history of pour-over coffee is fascinating. Simple cup-top brewers have probably been around since the earliest days of coffee making, but innovation in this area came relatively late. At first only cloth filters were used, but in 1908 the German entrepreneur Melitta Bentz introduced the paper filter. Her company, the Melitta Group, is still going strong today, selling filter paper, coffee and coffee machines.
That invention spelled the end for the electric percolator, a brew method known for its bitter cup of coffee. The next big breakthrough in drip coffee was the electric coffee machine, invented by the German company Wigomat. Modern takes on the electric filter coffee machine are still hugely popular, though they don't all produce coffee of the same quality.
The Key Principles: How to Brew the Perfect Cup with a Pour-Over
When brewing pour-over coffee, there are three variables that shape the taste of your coffee: the grind size, the contact time and the amount of coffee.
The Grind Size: A finer grind means more surface area in contact with the water and a slower flow, which results in a more intense flavour.
The Contact Time: Adding the water slowly extends the extraction time and affects the flavour.
The Amount of Coffee: More coffee means the water flows through more slowly and the extraction time is longer.
Blooming: The Magic Moment
A common practice with pour-over coffee is to start with a small amount of water to let the coffee 'bloom'. Wait about 30 seconds before adding the rest of the water.
The Perfect Pour-Over Method
As a starting point, we recommend a ratio of 60 grams of coffee per litre of water. Here are the steps to the perfect pour-over:
- Grind the coffee just before brewing and weigh it.
- Boil fresh water with a low mineral content.
- Rinse the paper filter and preheat the brewer.
- Add the coffee, wait 10 seconds, then slowly add water.
- Pour evenly and wait until the coffee bed runs dry.
- Enjoy your perfect cup of coffee!
So, coffee lovers, let the art of pour-over coffee work its charm and start your day with our starter kit and make the perfect cup of coffee brewed by your own hand!
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