No matter where you look, you see more and more people talking about pour over coffee.
Why is that? What makes it different (or better) than regular coffee? Great questions!
First off, it's all about the coffee. Good coffee. There's no point in making a pour over with low quality, over-roasted beans.
You make a pour over because you want to taste the coffee, and usually that's a really high quality single-origin coffee bursting with flavor.
Think that's kind of silly? It might sound that way, but there are more flavor compounds in coffee than wine! And as long as the coffee was grown well and roasted properly, those flavors can pop.
And the pour over is one of the best ways to get those flavors out of the beans.
Pour overs are an art form that gives you control over every variable in the brewing process.
From the temperature of the water to the speed of the pour, you're in the driver's seat, steering towards your perfect cup.
This level of control is a coffee lover's dream, allowing you to extract the full range of flavors from your favorite beans. It's like being a coffee alchemist, transforming simple ingredients into gold.
One of the standout benefits of pour-over coffee is the unparalleled flavor clarity.
The slow and steady infusion process ensures that the water has just enough time to extract the coffee's rich flavors and aromatic oils without over-extracting and causing bitterness.
This means each sip is packed with nuanced flavors that might get lost in more aggressive brewing methods.
Whether you're a fan of fruity Ethiopian beans or the chocolatey depth of Colombian coffee, pour-over brewing lets those unique taste profiles shine through.
Let's not forget about the customization aspect.
With pour-over, every variable can be tweaked to suit your taste.
Prefer a lighter, more delicate cup? Adjust the grind size or water temperature.
Looking for a bolder, fuller flavor? Experiment with your pouring technique or the ratio of coffee to water.
It's this flexibility that makes pour-over not just a brewing method, but a hobby for many coffee enthusiasts.
Plus, it's a great conversation starter – nothing sparks interest like a meticulously crafted cup of coffee.
Sustainability is another big win for the pour-over method.
Unlike pod-based machines that generate a lot of waste, pour-over setups are wonderfully low-impact. All you need is a filter (which can be compostable), your brewer (often just a simple cone), and a kettle. It's a minimalist approach that's not only better for the planet but also adds a touch of elegance to your coffee ritual.
Finally, let's talk about the Zen of pour-over.
There's something incredibly soothing about the process – measuring your grounds, boiling the water, and pouring it just so.
It's a moment of calm in your day, a break from the digital overload we all face.
This ritualistic aspect encourages you to slow down, to be present, and to enjoy the process as much as the final product.
It's a small act of self-care that, frankly, we could all use more of.
So, whether you're a seasoned pour-over pro or a curious newcomer ready to dip your toe into these waters, there's no denying the appeal of this brewing method.
It offers a perfect blend of flavor, customization, sustainability, and mindfulness – all wrapped up in one simple, elegant cup of coffee.
Here's to taking the time to enjoy the little things, one pour at a time.
We love making pour overs at Revel 77, so if you've never had one, come and try one!
Cheers!