Starting to Brew Specialty Coffee: Mastering the Art of Pour Over and French Press

Coffee lovers know that the brewing process can make or break a great cup of coffee. Whether you’re using a pour-over or a French press, mastering the right technique will enhance the flavor, body, and aroma of your brew. In this guide, we’ll explore how to brew coffee using these two popular methods, including step-by-step instructions, tips for optimal extraction, and why French press brewing is a personal favorite.

What is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee refers to the highest quality coffee beans that are carefully sourced, grown in ideal climates, and graded 80 points or above on a 100-point scale by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). These beans are typically cultivated with meticulous attention to sustainability, harvested at peak ripeness, and roasted to highlight their unique flavors and characteristics. Unlike commercial coffee, specialty coffee emphasizes traceability, ethical sourcing, and expert brewing techniques to deliver a superior and complex taste experience.

Understanding Coffee Brewing Basics

Before diving into specific brewing methods, it’s essential to understand a few key elements that affect the quality of your coffee:

1. Coffee-to-Water Ratio – Using the right proportion of coffee to water is crucial. A general guideline is 1:15 to 1:17 (1 gram of coffee for every 15–17 grams of water).

2. Grind Size – Different brewing methods require different grind sizes. A fine grind is best for espresso, while a coarse grind is ideal for a French press.

3. Water Temperature – The optimal brewing temperature is between 195°F and 205°F. Using water that’s too hot can result in over-extraction, making coffee bitter.

4. Brew Time – Each method has a specific brewing time. French press coffee needs about 4 minutes, while pour-over can range from 2 to 4 minutes, depending on the technique.

How to Make Pour Over Coffee

Pour-over coffee brewing is a favorite among specialty coffee drinkers because it provides control over every aspect of the brewing process. It delivers a clean and vibrant cup, bringing out the coffee’s subtle flavors.

What You Need:

• Freshly ground coffee (medium-fine grind)

• A pour-over dripper (e.g., Hario V60, Chemex, or Kalita Wave)

• A gooseneck kettle (I've messed around with using a barspoon to control the flow of a regular electric kettle with some success)

• A paper or metal filter

• Hot water (200°F)

• A coffee scale (optional, but helpful)

Step-by-Step Pour Over Brewing:

1. Boil Water – Heat your water to about 200°F and let it rest for 30 seconds before pouring.

2. Prepare the Filter – Place a paper filter in the dripper and rinse it with hot water to remove any papery taste. Discard the rinse water.

3. Measure and Grind Coffee – Use a medium-fine grind and measure about 20 grams of coffee per 300 grams of water.

4. Bloom the Coffee – Pour just enough hot water (twice the coffee’s weight) to saturate the grounds. Let it bloom for 30–45 seconds to release CO₂ and enhance flavor extraction (If you're using the barspoon method, you can also use it to stir your grinds at this stage to ensure every bit gets bloomed).

5. Slow and Steady Pouring – Pour water in slow, circular motions, keeping a consistent flow. Pour in stages, allowing the coffee to rest between pours.

6. Wait and Enjoy – The total brew time should be around 2.5 to 3.5 minutes. Once the water has fully passed through the grounds, remove the dripper and enjoy your coffee!

Why Choose Pour Over?

Pour-over coffee is excellent for those who appreciate a clean, crisp cup with a balanced body. It accentuates the coffee’s natural tasting notes and is a perfect method for specialty beans.

How to Make French Press Coffee (My Personal Favorite Brewing Method)

The French press is my personal go-to brewing method. It creates a full-bodied, rich coffee with deep flavors, thanks to its immersion brewing technique. Unlike pour-over, which filters out oils, the French press preserves them, resulting in a more textured and aromatic cup.

What You Need:

• Medium or coarsely ground coffee

• A French press (also called a press pot or plunger)

• Hot water (200°F)

• A coffee scale (optional)

Step-by-Step French Press Brewing:

1. Heat the Water – Boil water and let it cool for about 30 seconds to reach 200°F.

2. Measure Coffee – Use a coarse grind and measure about 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio (e.g., 30 grams of coffee for 450 grams of water).

3. Add Coffee Grounds – Place the coffee grounds into the French Press.

4. Fill and Steep – Pour the hot water into the French Press and give it a gentle stir a few times in each direction to ensure there are no clumps. Wait 4-5 minutes for the brewing to occur.

5. Break it Up – Use a spoon to disrupt the crust on the top of the brew. This will allow the remaining coffee to sink to the bottom. Slowly scrap remaining foam off of the brew and discard.

6. Plunge Slowly – Press the plunger down gently to separate the grounds from the liquid. Do this very slowly as to not agitate the grounds at the bottom of the press.

7. Serve Immediately – Pour the coffee into a mug or carafe right away to prevent over-extraction, which can lead to bitterness.

Why Choose the French Press?

The French press is an excellent choice for those who love a rich, bold coffee with more depth and body. It’s easy to use, requires no paper filters, and works well for various coffee beans. Plus, you can experiment with steeping times and ratios to customize your brew.

French Press vs. Pour Over: Which is Better?

Both methods have their strengths, but it comes down to personal preference:

• For a clean, delicate cup → Choose Pour Over

• For a bold, full-bodied coffee → Choose French Press

• For easy cleanup and convenience → Choose French Press

• For precise flavor control → Choose Pour Over

Since I love the richness and complexity of coffee, the French press is my personal favorite. However, I still enjoy a good pour-over when I want a lighter and brighter cup!

Final Tips for Brewing Great Coffee

1. Use Fresh Coffee Beans – The fresher the beans, the better the flavor. Buy whole beans and grind them just before brewing.

2. Invest in a Burr Grinder – A consistent grind is key to even extraction. A burr grinder ensures uniform coffee grounds.

3. Use Filtered Water – Water quality affects taste, so use filtered or spring water for the best results.

4. Experiment with Ratios – Every coffee and roast level is different, so tweak the coffee-to-water ratio to find your perfect cup.

5. Keep Your Equipment Clean – Oils and residue build up over time, affecting flavor. Rinse your brewing tools regularly.

No matter how you choose to brew coffee, the key is to experiment and find the method that suits your taste best. If you love a crisp and clean cup, pour-over coffee brewing is an excellent choice. If you prefer a rich, full-bodied coffee with more texture, the French press is the way to go.