ULTIMATE POUROVER RECIPE (any method)

Summary

In this engaging video, Lance Hedrick shares a versatile pour-over coffee recipe, designed to cater to a wide range of coffee types and brewing conditions. He emphasizes the importance of adjusting the coffee-to-water ratio and water temperature to suit personal taste and coffee characteristics. Lance also provides tips on achieving the optimal flow rate and extraction, resulting in a balanced, low bitterness cup that appeals to home brewers looking to perfect their pour-over technique.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The video is about creating a versatile pour-over coffee recipe that works well for a variety of coffee beans and brewing conditions.
• 🏆 The speaker mentions that World Brewers Cup Championship recipes may not be suitable for home brewing due to the unique coffee beans used in competitions.
• 🌐 The video aims to debunk the common assumption that championship recipes are universally effective and encourages viewers to consider other factors.
• ☕ The speaker emphasizes the importance of adjusting the coffee-to-water ratio, water temperature, and grind size to suit personal taste and brewing equipment.
• 📊 A suggested coffee-to-water ratio ranges from 1:14 to 1:17, depending on the desired strength and extraction level of the coffee.
• 🌡 Water temperature should be adjusted based on the roast level of the coffee, with lighter roasts requiring higher temperatures and darker roasts lower temperatures.
• 🕒 The brewing process involves a bloom phase followed by a single pour of the remaining water, with a focus on maintaining a consistent flow rate of 6-8 grams per second.
• 💧 The speaker recommends monitoring the drawdown of the coffee and intervening with agitation if necessary, depending on the grind and the coffee's solubility.
• 🔍 The video script highlights the need for personal experimentation with the suggested recipe to achieve the best results with different coffee beans and grinders.
• 📝 The speaker provides a detailed brewing method, including the importance of maintaining the correct flow rate and pour height for optimal extraction.
• 🍂 The video concludes with a tasting note, describing the resulting coffee as having low bitterness, a velvety body, and high citric acidity, which is attributed to the brewing method.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of Lance Hedrick's video?

The main purpose of Lance Hedrick's video is to share a pour-over coffee recipe that is versatile and works well with a variety of coffees, grinders, and water types, rather than just replicating competition recipes.

Why does Lance Hedrick believe that World Brewers Cup Championship recipes might not work well for home brewing?

Lance Hedrick believes that World Brewers Cup Championship recipes might not work well for home brewing because the coffees used in competitions are often very different from those available to the average consumer, being more soluble and processed differently.

What is the issue with using a high extraction percentage recipe from coffee competitions for home brewing?

The issue with using a high extraction percentage recipe from coffee competitions for home brewing is that it might result in over-extraction, leading to a vinegary taste that is not preferred by most people and may not suit the coffees available at local roasteries or subscription services.

What is the recommended extraction percentage for the pour-over recipe presented by Lance Hedrick?

The recommended extraction percentage for the pour-over recipe presented by Lance Hedrick is around 20 to 21 percent, which is aimed to provide a balanced and less bitter cup of coffee.

What are the two main variables that a home brewer should control according to Lance Hedrick's recipe?

The two main variables that a home brewer should control according to Lance Hedrick's recipe are the coffee-to-water ratio and the water temperature.

What coffee-to-water ratio does Lance Hedrick suggest for different types of coffee roasts?

Lance Hedrick suggests a 1 to 17 ratio for lighter coffees, 1 to 15 or 1 to 16 for medium coffees, and 1 to 14 or 1 to 15 for darker coffees, depending on the desired strength and extraction level.

What is the recommended water temperature range for brewing different roast levels of coffee according to the video?

For medium to dark roasts, the water temperature should be between 84 to 95 degrees Celsius, with lighter roasts requiring temperatures above 95 degrees and very dark roasts possibly as low as 84 to 85 degrees Celsius.

What is the significance of the flow rate when pouring water over the coffee grounds during the brew process?

The flow rate is significant because it affects the extraction process. A flow rate of six to eight grams per second is recommended to ensure proper extraction without over- or under-extracting the coffee.

How does Lance Hedrick suggest to adjust the grind size to control the flow rate of the coffee brew?

Lance Hedrick suggests that if a brewer wants to slow down the flow rate, they can go with a coarser grind, and if they want to increase the flow rate, they can go finer. However, the grind size should be mostly constant as per the recipe.

What is the recommended brew time for the pour-over coffee recipe presented in the video?

The recommended brew time for the pour-over coffee recipe is between three to four minutes, depending on the solubility of the coffee and other factors such as water temperature and grind size.

What is the final result Lance Hedrick expects from following his pour-over coffee recipe?

Following Lance Hedrick's pour-over coffee recipe should result in a cup of coffee with very low bitterness, a velvety smooth body, high citric acidity, and a nice sweetness, providing a balanced and pleasant taste experience.