Why Pour-Over Coffee?
Pour-over brewing is one of the most rewarding ways to experience specialty coffee. By controlling the water flow yourself, you unlock the full complexity of a high-quality bean — the bright acidity, floral aromas, and nuanced flavor notes that make single-origin coffees like Café Don Alfredo Excellence Washed so special.
What You'll Need
- A pour-over dripper (Hario V60, Chemex, or Kalita Wave)
- Paper or metal filter
- Freshly ground whole bean coffee (medium-fine grind)
- Gooseneck kettle
- Kitchen scale
- Timer
- Water heated to 200°F (93°C)
The Coffee-to-Water Ratio
A reliable starting ratio is 1:15 — 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water. For a standard 12 oz cup, use about 22g of coffee and 330g of water. Adjust to taste: more coffee for a stronger brew, less for a lighter cup.
Grind Size for Pour-Over
Grind size is one of the most important variables in pour-over brewing. Aim for a medium-fine grind — similar to table salt. Too coarse and your coffee will taste weak and watery (under-extracted). Too fine and it will taste bitter and harsh (over-extracted).
For best results, grind your beans fresh right before brewing. Pre-ground coffee loses its aromatic compounds quickly. Try our Excellence Washed or Excellence Natural whole beans for the freshest cup.
Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions
- Rinse your filter. Place the filter in the dripper and pour hot water through it to remove any papery taste and preheat your vessel. Discard the rinse water.
- Add your coffee. Add your freshly ground coffee to the filter and give it a gentle shake to level the bed.
- The bloom (0:00–0:45). Start your timer and pour twice the weight of your coffee in water (e.g., 44g for 22g of coffee) in a slow, circular motion. This saturates the grounds and allows CO₂ to escape — you'll see the coffee bloom and bubble. Wait 30–45 seconds.
- First pour (0:45–1:15). Slowly pour water in concentric circles from the center outward, bringing the total water weight to about 150g. Keep the water level consistent.
- Second pour (1:15–2:00). Continue pouring in slow circles, bringing the total to about 250g.
- Final pour (2:00–2:45). Pour the remaining water to reach your target of 330g. Total brew time should be 3:00–3:30 minutes.
- Enjoy. Once the water has fully drained, remove the dripper and pour your coffee.
Flavor Notes to Expect
With a well-sourced single-origin coffee, pour-over brewing reveals layers of flavor you simply cannot get from a drip machine. Our Excellence Washed — grown at high altitude in the Dominican Republic — delivers bright citrus acidity, a clean finish, and delicate floral notes. The Excellence Natural offers a fruitier, fuller-bodied experience with notes of berry and dark chocolate.
Troubleshooting Your Pour-Over
- Tastes sour or weak? Grind finer or slow down your pour to increase extraction.
- Tastes bitter? Grind coarser or use slightly cooler water (195°F/90°C).
- Draining too fast? Grind finer.
- Draining too slow? Grind coarser.
Ready to Brew?
The best pour-over starts with exceptional beans. Explore our full collection of specialty coffees from Don Alfredo — single-origin, high-altitude grown, and roasted to highlight every note the terroir has to offer.