What you need:

1. Pour over dripper (e.g., Hario V60, Kalita Wave, or Chemex)
2. Coffee filter (suitable for your dripper)
3. Freshly ground coffee (medium to medium-fine grind)
4. Water (preferably filtered)
5. Gooseneck kettle (for better pouring control)
6. Scale (for accurate measurement)
7. Thermometer (optional but useful)
8. Timer (to keep track of brew time)

Ingredients:

• Coffee: 15-18 grams per 250 ml of water (the ratio can be adjusted to preference)
• Water: 92-96 °C hot (not boiling)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Preparation

• Weigh the coffee: Use the scale to measure the amount of coffee. A good rule of thumb is to use a coffee ratio of 1:16, i.e., 1 part coffee to 16 parts water. For example: 20 grams of coffee to 320 ml of water.
• Heat the water: The water should be between 92-96 °C. If you don't have a thermometer, just boil the water and wait about 30 seconds before pouring.

2. Prepare the Filter

• Rinse the filter: Place the coffee filter in your dripper and rinse it with hot water. This removes the paper taste and also preheats the brewing equipment. Pour out the water once it has run through.

3. Grind the Coffee

• Grind the coffee: Use a grinder to grind the coffee medium-fine (like coarse sand). Freshly ground coffee gives the best flavor, so try to grind the coffee just before brewing.

4. Placement and Setup

• Place the dripper: Set your pour over dripper on top of your coffee pot or cup, and place both on the scale. Add the ground coffee to the filter, and level it to create an even surface. Reset the scale.

5. Blooming (Pre-brewing)

• Bloom the coffee: Start by pouring a small amount of water (about twice the amount of coffee – e.g., 40 grams of water for 20 grams of coffee) over the coffee to evenly saturate it. This is called "blooming," and it helps release carbon dioxide from the coffee, enhancing the flavor. Let the coffee "bloom" for 30-45 seconds.

6. Pour the Water (The Brewing Itself)

• Pour slowly: Start by pouring in circular motions from the center outward, and try to pour evenly so all the coffee is saturated. Be careful not to pour directly onto the filter. Continue pouring in small amounts until you reach the desired water level. The entire brewing process should take about 3-4 minutes.

7. Adjustments During Brewing

• Check the brewing time: If the coffee runs through too quickly (under 2.5 minutes), try grinding the coffee finer. If it runs too slowly (over 4 minutes), you can grind the coffee a bit coarser. This will help you achieve a better balance between sweetness, acidity, and bitterness.

8. Serving

• Remove the dripper: Once the water has run through, remove the dripper and the filter. Give the coffee a quick swirl or stir to mix the oils and sediments evenly in the coffee.
• Serve: Enjoy your coffee! Pour over coffee often has a cleaner and more detailed taste compared to other brewing methods, making it ideal for highlighting the unique characteristics of single-origin coffees.

Tips for Improvement:

1. Use fresh, clean water: The quality of the water affects the taste of the coffee. Filtered water is recommended.
2. Try different brewing ratios: Experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios to find what suits you best.
3. Water temperature: Try adjusting the water temperature between 92-96 °C to see what gives the best taste for your coffee.
4. Monitor the grind size: The grind size of the coffee affects the flow time and taste – experiment with coarser or finer settings.