The Ultimate Clever Dripper Technique

Summary

The video script discusses the Clever Coffee Dripper, a versatile and easy-to-use brewing method. It highlights the steep and release technique, emphasizing the importance of water-to-coffee ratio, grind size, and the order of adding ingredients for optimal extraction and faster draw-down. The presenter shares a tip from Workshop Coffee in London for quicker brewing by adding water before coffee and demonstrates the process, ensuring viewers understand the steps for a balanced and sweet cup of coffee.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Clever Coffee Dripper is a versatile and underappreciated brewing method that offers a simple steep and release mechanism.
• 💡 It's a pioneer in the steep and release brewer category and is known for its ease of use and robustness.
• 💰 The Clever Coffee Dripper is affordable, typically priced around $20 to $30, and is made from BPA-free plastic.
• 📏 The recommended coffee to water ratio is 75 grams per liter, but the presenter enjoys using a slightly lower ratio of 60 to 65 grams per liter.
• 📄 The brewer uses Melitta-style paper filters, size number four, for the larger model, and can handle up to 400 ml of liquid, though not recommended to the maximum.
• ☕ The coffee grind size is medium-fine, similar to that used for a two-cup V60, which is finer than expected for a steep style brewer.
• 🔍 A key technique involves adding water to the Clever first and then the coffee, which results in a quicker draw-down time compared to the reverse order.
• 🕒 After adding coffee to the water, it's recommended to let it steep for two minutes before breaking the crust and starting the brewing process.
• 👀 The first liquid to drain may appear weak due to some liquid sitting outside the filter paper, but this doesn't significantly affect the final result.
• 👌 The Clever Coffee Dripper is forgiving with timing, allowing for some flexibility in steeping time without negatively impacting the final brew.
• 🌟 The final brew is characterized by a great texture, clarity from the paper filter, and good sweetness, which can be adjusted by fine-tuning the grind size.

Q & A

What is the Clever Coffee Dripper and how does it work?

The Clever Coffee Dripper is a steep and release brewer that allows coffee and water to steep together. When you're ready to drink, you place the brewer on top of a mug or carafe, which lifts a stopper and allows the liquid to drain out from the bottom.

Why does the Clever Coffee Dripper not get as much recognition as it should?

The script does not provide a specific reason, but it suggests that the Clever Coffee Dripper is a fantastic and easy-to-use brewing method that produces great results, implying that it may be overlooked due to its simplicity or lack of widespread awareness.

What is the recommended coffee to water ratio for the Clever Coffee Dripper?

The script suggests starting with 75 grams of coffee per liter of water, but the speaker also enjoys using a ratio closer to 60 to 65 grams per liter, even at the lower ratio, resulting in a rich texture and mouth feel.

What type of filter does the Clever Coffee Dripper use and what size is needed?

The Clever Coffee Dripper uses Melitta-style paper filters, specifically the size number four, which is suitable for the larger size of the brewer.

What is the maximum amount of liquid that can be brewed in the Clever Coffee Dripper?

The script mentions that the Clever Coffee Dripper can technically brew up to 500 milliliters of liquid, but it is not recommended. Instead, up to 400 milliliters is suggested for practical use.

What grain size is recommended for the coffee when using the Clever Coffee Dripper?

The recommended grain size is described as medium fine, which is finer than what is typically used for a steep style brewer and similar to the grain size used for a two-cup V60.

Why is it suggested to add water to the Clever Coffee Dripper before the coffee?

Adding water first and then coffee helps to speed up the draw-down time, as discovered by Workshop Coffee in London. This method prevents a clogging effect on the paper filter that occurs when coffee is added first.

What is the recommended steeping time for the coffee in the Clever Coffee Dripper?

The recommended steeping time is two minutes, after which the crust on top should be broken to allow for an even extraction.

What is the impact of the draw-down time on the quality of the coffee brewed with the Clever Coffee Dripper?

The draw-down time, which can vary depending on the coffee and grinder used, affects the extraction. A quicker draw-down time, achieved by adding water before coffee, results in a better extraction and improved taste.

What are some tips for adjusting the taste of the coffee brewed with the Clever Coffee Dripper?

If the coffee tastes hollow, grinding the coffee finer may help. Conversely, if the coffee is bitter and harsh, grinding it slightly coarser could improve the sweetness.

Why is it not recommended to push the paper filter down as far as it can go in the Clever Coffee Dripper?

Pushing the paper filter down too far can interfere with the draw-down process. It is better to leave the filter neatly in place and accept that some water will dilute the brew without being involved in the brewing process.

What are the benefits of using the Clever Coffee Dripper according to the script?

The Clever Coffee Dripper is simple, robust, BPA-free, and does not require fancy equipment. It allows for easy brewing with accurate grind, dose, and water weights, resulting in great paper-filtered coffee.