2 Minutes Reading
Write by Roger - Date Tue Oct 29 2024
Pour over coffee has surged in popularity among coffee lovers due to the control it offers over brewing variables—like temperature, water quality, and timing—all of which influence the final taste. This method allows each cup to be precisely tailored, making it an ideal choice for those passionate about coffee quality. Here at RR Coffee Bar, we pride ourselves on creating the ultimate pour-over experience using Intelligentsia Coffee, renowned for its exceptional quality and flavor profiles. So, let's dive into everything you need to know to perfect your pour-over brew with Intelligentsia beans and the Chemex method.
At its core, pour-over coffee is a brewing process that involves manually pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a slow, circular motion. This method allows for a high level of control over each element of the brewing process, from grind size to brewing temperature, giving coffee enthusiasts a chance to unlock the full potential of their beans.One of the highlights of pour-over coffee is its clarity and complexity of flavor. Because you control each aspect of the process, pour-over allows for a cleaner cup that highlights the specific tasting notes of the coffee beans—whether it’s a bright citrus note or a deep chocolate finish.
Founded on a commitment to quality and direct trade practices, Intelligentsia Coffee has become a leader in the specialty coffee world. They partner directly with farmers around the globe to ensure that every batch of coffee is not only of the highest quality but also ethically sourced. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission at RR Coffee Bar, where we aim to provide our customers with an extraordinary coffee experience every time they visit.Intelligentsia’s dedication to quality is why we use their beans for our pour-over offerings. Their extensive selection of single-origin and seasonal blends provides a wide array of flavors, allowing us to create distinctive pour-over cups that satisfy every coffee lover's palate. To learn more about Intelligentsia's history and commitment to quality, you can explore their website.
The Chemex is a classic pour-over device known for its iconic hourglass shape, which is as functional as it is beautiful. Invented in the 1940s, Chemex has become a favorite among coffee aficionados for its ability to produce a bright, clean cup. Its unique, thick paper filter absorbs many of the oils and sediments, resulting in a smooth and crisp taste that brings out the coffee's natural flavors.Chemex’s design is especially suited to light to medium roasts, such as those offered by Intelligentsia. The filters allow you to highlight complex flavor profiles without any bitterness or aftertaste. Setting up the Chemex is straightforward, and it's designed to complement the delicate flavors of our Intelligentsia beans.
Start by folding the filter and placing it in the Chemex with the triple layer facing the spout.
Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste and warm the Chemex, then discard the water.
Grind the coffee beans (more on grind size in the upcoming sections).Add the ground coffee to the filter, and you’re ready to start the brewing process.
Temperature is one of the most critical factors in pour-over coffee brewing. Too hot, and your coffee will be bitter; too cool, and it will taste sour and under-extracted. The ideal water temperature for pour-over is between 195°F - 205°F (90°C - 96°C).
Achieving and maintaining this temperature requires the right tools, such as a gooseneck kettle with precise temperature control. Gooseneck kettles offer better control over pouring, which is essential for achieving even extraction. To achieve a balanced brew, start pouring your water in a controlled, circular motion to cover the coffee grounds evenly.
When it comes to pour-over, coffee quantity matters just as much as water temperature. The standard coffee-to-water ratio is between 1:15 to 1:16, meaning one gram of coffee to 15-16 grams of water. This balance gives a consistent and flavorful cup without being too strong or too weak.
For instance, if you’re using 30 grams of coffee, you’ll need about 450-480 grams of water. However, this is only a starting point, and experimenting with slightly higher or lower ratios can yield subtle differences, allowing you to find the ideal balance for each type of bean.
The brew time in pour-over coffee plays a vital role in the extraction of flavors. Typically, pour-over brewing should take 3-4 minutes in total, including the blooming phase, which involves pre-wetting the coffee grounds to release carbon dioxide and enhance extraction.
The Bloom Phase: Start by adding just enough water to cover the grounds. Let it sit for 30-45 seconds, allowing the coffee to “bloom” and release trapped gases. This process improves the extraction and brings out more complex flavors.
Pouring Technique: After the bloom, pour in slow circles, keeping the water level consistent and avoiding pouring directly down the center. Aim to complete the pour within 2.5-3 minutes.
Controlling the brew time ensures that your coffee is neither too acidic nor too bitter, delivering the perfect balance of flavors.
Water quality often goes overlooked in home brewing, but it can significantly impact the taste of pour-over coffee. Because coffee is approximately 98% water, using pure, filtered water can improve clarity, allowing the flavors of Intelligentsia beans to shine through.
Mineral Content: A small amount of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, enhance extraction, but too many can result in unwanted flavors.
pH Level: The optimal pH for brewing coffee is between 6.5 and 7.0, which helps prevent any sour or metallic tastes from developing in your cup.
Filtered water that is free of impurities allows for a clean and vibrant coffee flavor, highlighting the nuanced tasting notes of our Intelligentsia coffee.
Mastering pour-over coffee with the right tools and techniques—like using Intelligentsia beans, a Chemex, and paying close attention to temperature, coffee quantity, timing, and water quality—transforms the simple act of brewing into a flavorful journey. At RR Coffee Bar, we believe that precision and quality in every step yield a cup of coffee that celebrates the richness of the beans and the art of coffee-making. Whether you’re brewing at home or visiting us for a handcrafted pour-over, these elements work together to bring out the best in every sip.
