Preparation

Discovering the V60 Flavour Profile

Brewing coffee with a V60 is all about unlocking a clean, nuanced cup.
This method is known for its ability to highlight the unique characteristics of each coffee bean, bringing out delicate flavours that might be masked by other brewing techniques.

With a V60, you can expect:

  • Clarity: The paper filter and precise pouring technique give you a cup that’s free from sediment, allowing each flavor note to stand out.
  • Brightness: The V60 often emphasizes fruity and floral notes, so if your coffee beans have hints of berries, citrus, or flowers, you’ll notice them more.
  • Balanced Sweetness: This brewing style tends to smooth out acidity, making for a balanced cup where sweetness and light acidity shine without overpowering.

The V60 is ideal if you want to explore the complexity of single-origin beans or enjoy a bright, refreshing cup.
Each adjustment to your pour and timing can subtly shift the taste, making this method a fun, versatile way to experiment with different flavour profiles.

Ready to get started? Follow our simple, beginner-friendly recipe below to bring out the best in your coffee beans!

Equipment

  • V60 Cone: The signature cone shape with a single large hole at the bottom.
  • V60 Filter: V-shaped filter paper designed for even water flow.
  • Scale: Accurate to 0.1g, to measure coffee and water precisely.
  • Kettle: Preferably a gooseneck kettle for controlled pouring.
  • Thermometer: To keep water temperature steady at 90°C (194°F)

Ingredients

  • Coffee: 15g, medium grind. Aim for the consistency of sand to allow balanced extraction.
  • Water: 240ml at 90°C, using a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio. (Adjust ratio if you prefer stronger or lighter coffee.)

Recipe

Suggested Brew

15g medium coffee grounds 240ml water @ 90°C

Start with this simple method to get familiar with the V60 process.

This method is perfect for those just getting started with a V60. Simply follow each step, and you'll be sipping a smooth, delicious cup in no time!

  1. Measure and Heat

    • Coffee: Weigh out 15g of medium-ground coffee (similar to the texture of sand).
    • Water: Heat 240ml of water to about 90°C (or let it sit for 30 seconds after boiling if you don’t have a thermometer).
  2. Set Up

    • Place the V60 cone on your mug or carafe and insert a V60 filter.
    • Pour a little hot water over the filter to rinse it. This removes any papery taste and warms your cup. Discard the rinse water.
  3. Add Coffee Grounds

    • Place the 15g of ground coffee into the filter, making sure the grounds are level for an even pour.
  4. First Pour – Bloom (0:00 - 0:30)

    • Start your timer. Pour 30ml of hot water (about 2 tablespoons) over the coffee grounds in a slow, circular motion.
    • Let the coffee "bloom" for 30 seconds. You’ll see bubbles as gases escape, which helps improve the flavor.
  5. Second Pour (0:30 - 1:30)

    • After 30 seconds, slowly add another 110ml of water in a spiral motion, starting from the center and moving outward. Aim to keep the water level even as you pour.
  6. Final Pour (1:30 - 2:30)

    • Pour the remaining 100ml of water, continuing to pour in gentle spirals.
    • Let all the water drip through until your timer reaches around 2:30 to 3:00 minutes.
  7. Enjoy Your Coffee!

    • Once the dripping stops, remove the V60 cone, give your coffee a gentle swirl, and enjoy!

Simple Method

  1. First Pour (Bloom): Pour 30ml of water in a circular motion to wet all grounds. Let it bloom for 30 seconds. This releases CO₂ and primes the coffee for an even extraction.

  2. Second Pour: Slowly pour another 110ml of water, spiraling outward from the center. Aim to keep the water level even, and avoid pouring directly on the filter paper.

  3. Final Pour: Pour the remaining 100ml in the same circular pattern. Let the water drip through, aiming for a total brew time of around 2:30 - 3:00 minutes.

Advanced Method

For those ready to try a more refined approach, this method adds stages to enhance control and flavour.

  1. First Pour (Bloom): Pour 30ml of water and wait 30 seconds.

  2. Second Pour: Add 60ml of water in a slow, circular motion, focusing on saturating all grounds evenly. Wait 20 seconds.

  3. Third Pour: Pour another 80ml of water, repeating the circular motion to maintain a steady brew.

  4. Final Pour: Add the last 70ml of water, continuing the circular motion. Aim for a total brew time of 3:00 - 3:30 minutes.

Troubleshooting

Too Watery

If the coffee tastes weak, try a finer grind or reduce your water-to-coffee ratio slightly.

Not Enough Body:

If the coffee feels thin, increase the dose or lengthen the bloom time to enhance extraction.

Burnt Taste:

This can happen if the water is too hot or if the coffee grounds are too fine.
Make sure the water is around 90°C and check that your grind is medium.