How to Brew Coffee Using a V60
The V60 pour-over method allows for excellent control over the brewing process, producing clean and flavorful coffee. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide specifically for using a V60 dripper:
Equipment Needed:
V60 dripper (plastic, ceramic, or glass)
V60 paper filter
Freshly roasted coffee beans
Burr grinder
Digital scale
Gooseneck kettle (for better control when pouring)
Timer
Mug or carafe
Hot water (195-205°F / 90-96°C)
Brewing Ratio:
Use a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:15 to 1:17.
For example, use 20 grams of coffee for 300 grams of water (adjust based on your taste).
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Prepare the Equipment
Place the V60 dripper on top of your mug or carafe.
Insert the V60 paper filter into the dripper.
2. Rinse the Filter
Pour hot water through the filter to rinse off any paper taste and preheat the dripper and mug. Discard the water afterward.
3. Grind the Coffee
Grind 20 grams of coffee (or adjust to your desired amount). For V60, use a medium-fine grind, similar to table salt.
A consistent grind is key for even extraction, so a burr grinder is recommended.
4. Add the Coffee Grounds
Place the ground coffee into the rinsed filter inside the V60 dripper. Gently shake the dripper to level the grounds for an even bed.
5. Bloom (First Pour)
Start your timer.
Pour about 40 grams of hot water (twice the weight of the coffee grounds) in a slow, circular motion to saturate all the grounds.
Allow the coffee to "bloom" for 30-45 seconds. This step releases carbon dioxide from the coffee and improves extraction.
6. Main Pour (Subsequent Pours)
After the bloom, continue pouring water in slow, controlled circles, starting from the center and moving outward, avoiding the edges.
Pour water in intervals, pausing occasionally to let the water drip through the coffee grounds. For 300 grams of water, this should take 2-3 pours.
Aim to complete the pour by around the 2:30-3:00 minute mark.
Tips for pouring:
Keep the water level steady, around halfway up the filter, but avoid filling it to the top.
Make your pour smooth and consistent to avoid disturbing the coffee bed too much.
7. Finish Brewing
The total brew time should be around 3-4 minutes, including the bloom. If the brew is taking significantly longer or shorter, adjust your grind size for future brews (finer for slower, coarser for faster).
8. Serve
Once all the water has passed through the coffee bed, remove the V60 dripper and discard the used grounds and filter.
Give the coffee a gentle swirl in the carafe or cup to mix and enjoy an even flavor.
9. Taste and Adjust
Taste the coffee before adding any milk or sugar to appreciate the flavor notes. Specialty coffee often has complex and delicate flavors that shine when enjoyed black.
Adjust brewing variables (grind size, water temperature, and pour technique) based on taste. If the coffee tastes sour, it may be under-extracted, so try a finer grind or slower pour next time. If it's too bitter, it may be over-extracted, so try a coarser grind or quicker pour.
Summary of Key Brewing Variables:
Coffee-to-water ratio: 1:15 to 1:17 (e.g., 20 grams coffee to 300 grams water)
Grind size: Medium-fine (similar to table salt)
Water temperature: 195-205°F (90-96°C)
Total brew time: 3-4 minutes
This method should help you brew a clean and well-balanced cup of coffee using your V60! Adjust the grind size, pour rate, and blooming time to refine your brew to your personal taste preferences