How to Make the Perfect Pour Over Coffee – A Step-by-Step Guide

At French Settlement Roasting Co., we take pride in producing the finest, veteran-owned, organic, and specialty-grade coffee. For those who truly appreciate the art of coffee, the pour over method is a must-try. It’s an excellent way to highlight the rich, complex flavors of our freshly roasted beans. Whether you’re new to pour overs or looking to perfect your technique, this guide will walk you through every step to make sure you’re brewing the perfect cup of coffee.

Why Choose Pour Over?

The pour over method might seem a bit involved compared to using a drip machine or even a French press, but trust us—it’s worth the effort. The manual process gives you control over factors like water temperature, brew time, and the saturation of the grounds. This results in a cleaner, more vibrant cup of coffee, perfect for truly experiencing the nuances of specialty-grade beans like those we roast at French Settlement Roasting Co.

What You’ll Need

Before we dive into the brewing process, let’s gather the tools you’ll need for a pour over. Having the right equipment can make all the difference.

Fresh Coffee Beans – Preferably whole beans, freshly roasted. French Settlement Roasting Co. offers a variety of organic, specialty-grade coffees that work perfectly for pour overs.

Burr Grinder – Consistency is key, and a burr grinder ensures you get even grounds.

Pour Over Brewer – A V60, Chemex, or Kalita Wave are popular choices.

Coffee Filter – Make sure it’s the correct size for your brewer.

Gooseneck Kettle – This helps you control the water flow, an important factor in achieving an even extraction.

Scale – Precision is crucial. Weighing your coffee and water ensures consistency.

Hot Water – Around 200°F (just below boiling).

Timer – To keep track of the blooming and brewing times.

Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing the Perfect Pour Over

Step 1: Choose and Grind Your Beans

Start with high-quality, fresh coffee beans. For a pour over, the grind size should be medium-fine, similar to table salt. Too fine, and the coffee will be over-extracted and bitter. Too coarse, and it’ll be under-extracted, leaving it weak and sour. Using a burr grinder will help you achieve a consistent grind, essential for an even extraction.

At French Settlement Roasting Co., we recommend our single-origin varieties for pour over brewing, as this method brings out the distinct flavors and aromas of these specialty-grade beans.

Step 2: Boil Water to the Right Temperature

Heat your water to around 200°F, which is just below boiling. If you don’t have a temperature-controlled kettle, simply boil the water and let it sit for about 30 seconds. The water temperature is important because water that’s too hot can scorch the coffee grounds, while water that’s too cool will result in a flat-tasting brew.

Step 3: Prepare the Filter and Rinse It

Place the filter in your pour over brewer and give it a good rinse with hot water. This step helps remove any papery taste from the filter and preheats the brewer, ensuring your coffee doesn’t cool down too quickly.

After rinsing, discard the water that collects in the brewer.

Step 4: Measure Your Coffee

For a standard cup (about 12 oz), we recommend using a 1:15 ratio of coffee to water. This means about 22 grams of coffee to 330 grams (or milliliters) of water. Using a scale is the best way to ensure you’re getting the correct ratio every time, which helps create consistency in your brew.

Step 5: Bloom the Coffee

Add your ground coffee to the filter and gently shake the brewer to level the grounds. Then, start the timer and pour a small amount of water (about twice the weight of the coffee grounds—so roughly 40-45 grams of water) over the coffee, making sure to saturate all the grounds evenly.

This step is called the “bloom,” and it’s important because it allows the coffee to release trapped gases, leading to a better extraction. Let it sit for about 30 seconds before continuing.

Step 6: Pour the Rest of the Water

After the bloom, begin slowly pouring the rest of the water in a circular motion, starting from the center and working your way outward. The gooseneck kettle helps control the flow rate and direction of the pour, ensuring an even extraction.

Take your time—this step should take between 2.5 to 3 minutes. Pour steadily but not too quickly. If the water starts rising too close to the top, pause for a moment and then continue.

Step 7: Let the Coffee Finish Brewing

Once all the water has passed through the coffee grounds and into your cup or carafe, your pour over is complete. The total brew time should be around 3-4 minutes, depending on the coffee and grind size.

Tips for Perfecting Your Pour Over

1. Use Fresh, Quality Coffee: Coffee is best when it’s fresh, and specialty-grade beans like those from French Settlement Roasting Co. can make all the difference in flavor.
2. Experiment with Ratios: While the 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio is a great starting point, you can adjust it slightly to match your taste preference. Like a stronger brew? Use a little more coffee. Prefer it lighter? Add more water.
3. Grind Size Matters: Dial in your grind to control the flavor. Too fine a grind will make the coffee taste bitter, while too coarse will leave it weak.
4. Pay Attention to the Pour: Keep a slow, steady pour for even saturation. Avoid dumping water too quickly, as that can lead to uneven extraction and a less flavorful cup.
5. Use a Scale: Weighing your coffee and water ensures accuracy and consistency, especially if you want to recreate the same great-tasting cup each time.

Why French Settlement Roasting Co. Beans Are Ideal for Pour Overs

As a veteran-owned, organic, and specialty-grade coffee company, French Settlement Roasting Co. takes pride in sourcing and roasting the highest quality beans. Our slow roasting process ensures each batch brings out the best flavors, making them ideal for pour over brewing. Whether you prefer a fruity Ethiopian roast or a deep, chocolatey Central American bean, we’ve got a blend that’ll take your pour over to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best coffee for pour over?
Specialty-grade, single-origin coffees are typically best for pour overs, as this brewing method highlights the unique flavors of the beans. French Settlement Roasting Co. offers a range of single-origin and carefully crafted blends.

Why is my pour over coffee bitter?
Bitterness usually results from over-extraction, often caused by water that’s too hot or a grind that’s too fine. Try adjusting these factors for a smoother brew.

How long should a pour over take?
The whole process from bloom to brew should take about 3-4 minutes. If it takes much longer or shorter, adjust your grind size.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the pour over method is all about practice and attention to detail, but with this guide, you’re well on your way to enjoying the perfect cup every time. At French Settlement Roasting Co., we believe that great coffee should be an experience, and a well-executed pour over is one of the best ways to enjoy the rich flavors of our organic, specialty-grade beans. So grab your brewer, your favorite French Settlement roast, and start brewing today!