Brewing Guide: How to Brew Coffee Using the Hario V60 Pour Over

Brewing coffee is an art form, and one of the best ways to experience the full spectrum of flavours in your beans is by using the Hario V60 pour over method. This technique, celebrated for its simplicity and precision, allows coffee enthusiasts to extract a clean, flavourful cup of coffee.

Why Choose the Hario V60?

The Hario V60 is a favourite among coffee enthusiasts for several reasons:

• Precision and Control: The V60's design allows for complete control over the brewing process, including water flow, temperature, and brewing time.

• Enhanced Flavour Extraction: The cone shape and spiral ridges of the V60 enhance coffee extraction, resulting in a clean and bright flavour profile.

• Accessibility: It's easy to use, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced brewers.

Equipment Needed

Before you start brewing, gather the following equipment:

• Hario V60 dripper

• Hario V60 paper filters

• Coffee scale

• Kettle (gooseneck if you have one).

• Timer

• Grinder

• Freshly roasted coffee beans from your local coffee roaster

• Mug or carafe

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide

1. Choose and Grind Your Coffee Beans: Start by selecting high-quality coffee beans from your local coffee roaster. Freshly roasted beans will have a more vibrant flavour and aroma compared to older beans. For the V60, a medium-fine grind is ideal. It should be similar in texture to table salt.

2. Measure Your Coffee and Water: We recommend a coffee-to-water ratio for the V60 is 1:15. This means for every gram of coffee, you'll need 15 grams of water. For a standard cup of coffee, use 20 grams of coffee and 300 millilitres of water.

3. Prepare the Filter and Dripper: Place the V60 dripper on top of your mug or carafe. Insert a paper filter into the dripper and rinse it with hot water. This step removes any papery taste from the filter and preheats the dripper and mug. Discard the rinse water before proceeding.

4. Add Coffee Grounds: Add the ground coffee to the filter, ensuring the coffee bed is level for an even extraction.

5. Bloom the Coffee: Start by pouring a small amount of hot water (about twice the weight of the coffee, so 40 millilitres for 20 grams of coffee) over the grounds. This is called the bloom. It allows the coffee to degas, releasing carbon dioxide and enabling better flavour extraction during brewing. Let the coffee bloom for about 30-45 seconds.

6. Begin the Pour: After the bloom, start pouring water in a slow, circular motion, working from the centre outward. Pour in stages, allowing some of the water to pass through the coffee before adding more. Maintain a steady pour and avoid pouring directly on the filter. The goal is to keep the coffee grounds fully saturated and ensure even extraction.

7. Continue Pouring: Continue adding water in small increments until you reach a total weight of 300 millilitres. The entire process should take about 3-4 minutes. Adjust your pouring technique to control the flow rate and extraction time.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Once the water has fully passed through the coffee grounds, remove the dripper and discard the filter and used grounds. Give your coffee a gentle swirl to mix the flavours and aromas, then pour it into your mug.

Tips for Perfecting Your Hario V60 Brew

• Use Freshly Roasted Beans: The freshness of your coffee beans significantly impacts the flavour of your brew. Purchase small batches of beans from your local coffee roaster to ensure you're always using fresh coffee. Freshly roasted beans, typically used within two weeks of roasting, will provide the best taste and aroma.

• Experiment with Grind Size: The grind size can affect the extraction and flavour of your coffee. If your brew tastes too bitter, try a coarser grind. If it's too sour or weak, a finer grind may be needed. Adjusting the grind size allows you to fine-tune your coffee to your taste preferences.

• Control Water Temperature: The ideal water temperature for brewing coffee with the V60 is between 90°C and 96°C ( 195°F to 205°F). Water that's too hot can over-extract the coffee, leading to bitterness, while water that's too cool can under-extract, resulting in a weak and sour cup.

• Pouring Technique: Practice makes perfect with the Hario V60. Experiment with different pouring techniques, such as pulse pouring or continuous pouring, to see which method yields the best results. Consistent, slow, and controlled pours are essential for even extraction.

• Keep Equipment Clean: Clean your equipment regularly to avoid any build-up of oils or coffee residue that can alter the taste of your brew. Rinse the dripper and carafe after each use, and deep clean them periodically with a mild detergent.

• Supporting Your Local Coffee Roaster: Choosing beans from your local coffee roaster ensures you get fresh and flavourful coffee and supports your local economy and community. Local roasters often source high-quality beans and have a deep understanding of the roasting process, providing you with the best possible product. Additionally, they can offer personalised recommendations and insights into different coffee profiles, helping you find the perfect beans for your Hario V60 pour over.
  

Brewing coffee with the Hario V60 pour over method is a rewarding experience that allows you to fully appreciate the nuances of your coffee beans. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced coffee enthusiast, the V60 offers the precision and control needed to perfect your brew.