V60 / Filter Brew Guide

/ Bean Shot/
 
 

Bean Shot Brew Guide: The V60 Pour-Over 

Last week we delved into the fascinating world of AeroPress, a brewing method that has garnered a cult following for its versatility and ease of use. This week, we're shifting gears to explore another beloved brewing method: the V60 pour-over. 

At first glance, the V60 might seem like a simple cone. But don't let its minimalist design fool you. This Japanese invention has become a staple in the coffee community, celebrated for its ability to produce a clean, complex cup of coffee that truly lets the beans shine. And while it may not have its own world championship (yet), the V60 is a darling of specialty coffee shops and home brewers alike. 

The V60 shares the stage with other manual pour-over methods like the Chemex, as well as automated filter machines. Each has its merits, but the V60 stands out for its unique design features: the large hole at the bottom, the spiral ridges on the sides, and the relatively steep walls. These elements work in harmony to give you unparalleled control over the brewing process. Intrigued? Let's dive in. 

Our Hero: Hario 

The V60 was created by Hario, a Japanese company originally focused on glassware. Founded in 1921, Hario has a long history of innovation, but it wasn't until 2004 that they introduced the V60, forever changing the landscape of pour-over coffee. The name "V60" comes from "V," representing the shape of the cone, and "60," indicating the 60-degree angle of its sides. 

Just like Alan Adler's journey with the AeroPress, Hario's creation of the V60 was driven by a desire to perfect the coffee brewing process. The V60 has undergone subtle changes over the years, including variations in material from ceramic to glass to metal, but the core design has remained consistent. 

How To: 

The V60 offers a plethora of variables to play with, from grind size to water temperature to pouring technique. A quick online search for 'V60 Recipe' will yield a myriad of options, each promising a cup that's a little different from the last. But the basic steps remain the same: you'll need a V60, a filter, freshly ground coffee, and hot water. 

The Basic Steps 

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's go over the basic steps for brewing with a V60: 

  • Preparation: Place a filter in the V60 and rinse it with hot water. This removes any paper taste and preheats the V60. Discard the rinse water. 

  • Weighing: Using digital scales, weigh out your coffee. A good starting point is 18g of coffee, ground to a texture slightly coarser than table salt.

  • Brewing: Place the V60 over your cup or carafe and add the coffee grounds. Tare your scales. 

  • Blooming: Pour just enough hot water (anywhere between double and triple the weight of dry coffee) to saturate the coffee grounds. This allows the coffee to "bloom," releasing carbon dioxide. Wait for about 30 seconds.

  • Pouring: Begin pouring the remaining hot water in a slow, circular motion, avoiding the edges of the filter. Aim for a total water weight of around 300g. This can be made more accurate by using a gooseneck kettle.

  • Draw down: Allow the coffee to drip through the filter. The total brew time should be around 2 to 3 minutes. 

  • Enjoy: Once the dripping slows to a stop, remove the V60, give your coffee a stir, and enjoy! 

 

The Variables 

Much like the AeroPress, the V60 offers a multitude of variables to experiment with. Whether it's adjusting the grind size to alter the time it takes to brew (coarser = faster, finer = slower), water temperature, or even the pouring technique, the V60 is a playground for coffee enthusiasts. So have some fun experimenting!

Chemex and Filter Machines: The Other Contenders 

While the V60 is a marvel in its own right, it's worth mentioning other pour-over methods like the Chemex and automated filter machines. The Chemex, with its elegant design, also offers an extremely clean cup with its thicker filter paper, but is generally used for brewing larger quantities. Filter machines, on the other hand, provide convenience but often at the expense of some control over the brewing variables. 

Paper or Metal Filters? 

Just like with the AeroPress, you have the option of using either paper or metal filters in a V60. Paper filters offer a clean cup by filtering out most oils and fine coffee particles. Metal filters, being reusable, are more environmentally friendly and allow more oils to pass through, giving a fuller-bodied brew. 

Final Thoughts 

The V60 is more than just a cone; it's a tool that allows for a deep exploration into the nuances of coffee brewing. Whether you're a seasoned barista or a curious beginner, the V60 challenges and rewards you with each brew. Personally I would always choose a plastic V60. It’s cheap, durable and also has les temperature variability when pouring the (just off) boiling water.

So, what's your preferred method? Are you a V60 aficionado, a Chemex devotee, or a filter machine loyalist? Share your thoughts, recipes, and experiences in the comments below. But most importantly, and this goes with any brewing method, enjoy the way you brew coffee!