Pour Over - Chemex

The Chemex, with its elegant hourglass shape and scientific design, has become an icon in the world of specialty coffee. Invented in 1941 by chemist Peter Schlumbohm, this brewing method is renowned for producing a clean, bright, and flavorful cup of coffee. If you're ready to elevate your coffee game and experience the nuanced flavors that Chemex brewing can unlock, read on for our comprehensive guide.

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide:

1. Prepare Your Equipment: Place your Chemex on the scale. Fold the Chemex filter into quarters and place it in the top of the brewer, with the thicker three-layer side against the pouring spout.
2. Rinse the Filter: Heat water to 94-96°C (201-205°F). Pour some hot water through the filter to rinse out any paper taste and preheat the Chemex. Discard this rinse water.
3. Add Coffee: Place 30g of ground coffee into the filter and give it a gentle shake to level the bed.
4. Start the Bloom: Start your timer and begin pouring water slowly over the grounds in a spiral motion. Add about twice the weight of water as coffee (60g) to saturate all the grounds. This initial pour is called the "bloom."
5. Allow to Bloom: Let the coffee bloom for 30-45 seconds. You'll see it expand and bubble as CO2 is released.
6. Continue Pouring: Resume pouring water slowly in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward. Avoid pouring directly on the filter. Pour until you reach 300g total water weight, then pause.
7. Second Pour: After 1 Minute, begin your second pour, again in a circular motion, until you reach a total of 500g water.
8. Allow to Drain: Let the coffee continue to drain through the filter. The total brew time should be between 3
9. Serve and Enjoy: Once the dripping has slowed to a stop, remove and discard the filter. Swirl the Chemex gently to ensure even mixing, then pour into your favorite mug and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Pour Over Perfection

1. Water Quality: Use filtered water for the cleanest taste. The Chemex's design highlights the nuances in your coffee, so water quality is crucial.
2. Grind Consistency: A consistent grind is key. Invest in a good burr grinder for the best results.
3. Pouring Technique: Use a gooseneck kettle for precise control over your pour. This helps maintain an even extraction.
4. Temperature Control: If you don't have a thermometer, bring your water to a boil and then let it sit for about 30 seconds before pouring.
5. Experiment with Ratios: While we've suggested a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio, feel free to adjust to your taste. Try a 1:15 ratio for a stronger brew or 1:17 for a lighter one.
6. Pre-wet the Filter: Don't skip this step! It not only removes any paper taste but also preheats your Chemex for a more stable brewing temperature.

Brewing with a Chemex is both an art and a science. It requires attention to detail and practice, but the reward is a clean, flavorful cup that truly showcases the characteristics of your chosen beans. The Chemex method is particularly excellent for light to medium roasts and single-origin coffees, where its ability to highlight subtle flavors really shines.

As you become more comfortable with the process, don't be afraid to experiment. Try different beans, adjust your grind size, or play with water temperature to find your perfect brew. Remember, the joy of pour-over coffee is in the journey as much as the destination.

So, grab your Chemex, your favorite beans, and embark on your pour-over adventure. With a little practice and patience, you'll be brewing coffee shop quality pour-overs in no time.

Happy brewing!