What is the V60 pour-over brewing method?

The V60 pour-over is a simple, satisfying way to brew coffee. Hot water is poured in gentle circles over ground coffee held in a cone-shaped dripper (the V60).

The water filters slowly through the coffee into your mug or carafe below, producing a clean, bright cup with lots of clarity. It’s a calming, precise, repeatable ritual.

What is the V60 pour-over good for?

V60 highlights the finer notes in light roasts and single-origin coffees—think citrus, florals, and soft sweetness.

It brews a clean, crisp cup with balanced acidity and minimal sediment, perfect for anyone who enjoys hands-on brewing.

What you’ll need

Hario V60 (or similar pour-over dripper)
The dripper holds the filter and directs water through the coffee bed.
V60 paper filters
Capture fine particles and oils for a clean cup.
Fresh coffee beans (whole bean for best flavour)
Choose a light–medium roast for best results.
Coffee grinder
Provides a consistent medium–coarse grind for even extraction.
Kettle
For boiling water (a gooseneck helps but isn’t essential).
Filtered water
Since coffee is ~98% water, filtration improves clarity and taste.
Scales
For accurate coffee and water measurement.
Timer
Controls bloom and pour timing.
Carafe or mug
Brew directly into your vessel of choice.

Brew ratio

1:15 — 1 g of coffee to every 15 ml (≈ g) of water.

Example: 30 g coffee → 450 ml (≈ 450 g) water. Scale up or down based on dripper size and servings.

If you’re after a durable, reliable dripper, we recommend the Hario V60 02 Plastic Dripper. Its spiral ridges encourage optimal extraction and the 02 size suits 1–4 cups.
Shop the V60 dripper here.

Best York Emporium coffees for V60 pour-over

1. Colombia Papayo – Light Roast
Grapefruit | Kiwi | Lime
Shop Colombia Papayo
Bright and juicy with a crisp, tropical profile. V60 enhances its clean acidity and refreshing clarity for a vibrant, wake-you-up cup.

2. Uganda Kalingwe – Light Roast
Raspberry | Peach | Milk Chocolate
Shop Uganda Kalingwe
Sweet and fruit-forward with a creamy body. V60 clarifies its berry brightness while keeping balance.

Step-by-step V60 pour-over guide

Boil your water
Heat to ~93°C. No thermometer? Boil, then rest 30 seconds. For lighter roasts, you can go a touch hotter (96–98°C).
Grind your coffee
Use a medium–coarse grind (sea-salt like). Too fine = bitter, over-extracted brew.
Prep filter and dripper
Rinse the paper filter with hot water to remove papery taste and preheat. Discard rinse water.
Add coffee
Weigh 30 g into the filter, level the bed, and make a small central well.
Start timer and bloom
Pour ~60 ml (2× coffee weight) to wet all grounds. Gently swirl to saturate evenly, then let bloom for 45 seconds.
First pour
At 0:45, pour in slow circles until total brew weight reaches 300 g. Aim to finish by ~1:15.
Final pours
Maintain a steady water level with small, even pours until total brew weight reaches 450 g.
Let it drip
When safe to handle, give a light 10-second swirl to even extraction. Allow to drain completely. Target total time: 3:00–3:30.
Remove and serve
Discard the filter, swirl the brew to mix, and enjoy.

Pro Coffee Tips!

Go easy on the swirl. A light swirl helps settle grounds; over-swirling can move fines, clog filters, and stall drawdown. If brews run long, skip the swirl.
Dial in, one change at a time. Grind, water temp, pour speed, bloom time, and flow rate all matter. Adjust a single variable per brew.

What flavour profile to expect

Light and clean with no sediment.
Bright and expressive, highlighting fruity, floral, and citrus notes.
Less body than immersion (e.g., French Press) but greater clarity and complexity.

Ideal for single-origin coffees when you want to taste the origin’s unique character.

Troubleshooting your V60 brew

Does it taste sour or sharp?

Grind is too coarse → go a bit finer.
Water too cool → aim for ~93°C.
Brew too short → extend slightly.

Does it taste bitter or harsh?

Grind too fine → go coarser.
Water too hot → lower slightly.
Pour too slow → aim to complete pours by ~2:30.

Dripping too slowly, or not at all?

Clogged filter or fines migration → check grind size.
Uneven/aggressive pouring → switch to gentle, circular pours.

That’s it—your perfect cup, brewed your way. Keep experimenting; great coffee is about curiosity.

Want to try a different method? Explore all our brew guides →
Need the right beans? Browse our speciality coffee range →

V60 Pour Over Brew Guide