How to Brew a Balanced and Sweet-tart Hand Drip Coffee

Hand drip coffee, also known as pour-over coffee, is a popular brewing method that allows for a balanced and sweet-tart flavor profile. To achieve this delightful cup of coffee, it's important to follow a few key steps.

Tools needed

◉Aurora XT-V60 Dripper Coffee Maker Set CZ-07A

◉Diamond Manual Grinder CH12A-05

◉Meteor Goose Neck Kettle CH05A

◉Cappuccino coffee cup CM230-01A

◉Coffee Spoon CGC-01A

◉Coffee Scale CG-06A

Step 1: Select the Right Beans

Choose freshly roasted, high-quality coffee beans. Look for beans that are known for their sweetness and acidity, such as those from regions like Ethiopia or Kenya. The roast level should be medium to medium-light.

Step 2: Grind Your Coffee

Use a burr grinder to grind your coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency, similar to kosher salt. The grind size is crucial for even extraction.

Step 3: Preheat Your Equipment

Rinse your paper filter with hot water if using paper filters, and preheat your hand drip brewer and coffee cup by pouring hot water through them. This helps maintain a stable brewing temperature.

Step 4: Measure Coffee and Water

Use a digital scale to measure your coffee and water precisely. A common ratio is 1:15, which means 1 gram of coffee to 15 grams of water. Adjust this ratio to your taste preferences.

Step 5: Bloom the Coffee

Place the coffee grounds in the filter in the brewer. Start a timer and pour enough hot water (about double the weight of the coffee grounds) to saturate them evenly. Allow the coffee to bloom for 30-45 seconds. This releases gases and prepares the grounds for even extraction.

Step 6: Begin the Pouring Process

Start pouring hot water slowly in a controlled manner, using a goose-neck kettle. Pour in a spiral motion, starting from the center and moving outward. Keep the water level consistent, maintaining the coffee slurry's depth.

Step 7: Maintain a Steady Pour

Continue pouring in a steady, slow stream until you reach the desired brew weight. This process should take around 2-3 minutes. Maintain the water temperature around 195-205°F (90-96°C).

Step 8: Control Extraction Time

Adjust your grind size, pour rate, or total brewing time to control the extraction. A total brew time of 2-3 minutes is a good starting point. Experiment and adjust to find your preferred flavor profile.

Step 9: Enjoy it

Once the brewing process is complete, remove the filter and coffee grounds. Let the coffee cool for a moment to unlock its full flavor potential, and then savor your balanced and sweet-tart hand drip coffee.

Keywords: hand drip coffee

Originally published 22 Dec 2023, updated 22 Dec 2023.