Manual brewing has become an art form appreciated by many coffee lovers. One of the most popular and accessible methods for beginners is the Hario V60. This simple hand-poured device is known for its ability to produce cups of coffee with clean, clear flavors, and its versatility makes it an excellent choice for those who want to explore the nuances of specialty coffee at home.
In this guide, we'll take you step-by-step through the process of making coffee with the Hario V60, from selecting your ingredients to the last sip of your perfectly brewed cup.
Ingredients and equipment for making coffee with the Hario V60
Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need on hand:
Hario V60: A V-shaped cone, available in various materials such as plastic, glass or ceramic.
Paper Filters: Specifically designed for the Hario V60, these filters ensure clean, residue-free extraction.
Freshly ground coffee: Choose high-quality beans and grind them just before brewing to maintain freshness and flavors.
Filtered water: Water makes up 98% of your cup of coffee, so make sure you use clean, good-quality water.
Teapot with a fine pouring spout: You'll need a teapot with a long, narrow spout for a controlled and precise pour.
Scale: To accurately measure the amount of coffee and water.
Stopwatch or timer: This will help you control the extraction time and ensure a consistent brew.
Steps to prepare coffee with the Hario V60
Equipment preparation:
- Place the paper filter into the V60 and rinse it with hot water to remove any paper residue and preheat the device.
- Discard the rinse water and place the V60 over your cup or brewing carafe.
Grinding coffee:
- Grind freshly roasted coffee beans to a medium coarseness, similar to table salt, for an even and balanced extraction.
Dosage:
- Measure 15 grams of ground coffee and add it to the paper filter in the V60.
Gently levels the surface of the ground coffee to ensure even extraction.
Heating the water:
- Boil water and let it stand for a few seconds to reach the optimal brewing temperature, between 90°C and 96°C.
Pouring technique:
- Start by slowly pouring a small amount of hot water (around 30 ml) over the ground coffee, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Let the coffee "bloom" for 30 seconds, allowing the gases to release and prepare the coffee for full extraction.
- Pour the remaining water in a steady, circular stream, starting from the center and moving outward and inward in concentric motions.
- Maintain a constant and controlled pouring rhythm to ensure a uniform and consistent extraction.
Extraction time:
The full extraction should take about 2 to 3 minutes total. Adjust the time according to your strength and flavor preferences.
Serve and enjoy:
- Once the extraction is complete, remove the V60 from the cup and enjoy your freshly brewed coffee.
- Savor the unique flavors and aromas of your cup of coffee and experiment with different types of beans and brewing techniques to discover your personal preferences.
Additional tips for preparing coffee with the Hario V60
- Experiment with different proportions of coffee and water to find your perfect flavor balance.
- Practice pouring technique to improve the uniformity and consistency of your extraction.
- Keep your equipment clean and well-maintained to ensure consistent results and pure flavors in every cup.
Making coffee with the Hario V60 is more than just a task, It is an experience that allows you to connect with the unique flavors and aromas of specialty coffee beans. With this guide, I hope I've provided you with the tools and knowledge you need to begin your journey into the exciting world of pour-over coffee .
