All About the V60 Brew Method

If you’ve been following my coffee journey for a while, you know that the v60 is my absolute favorite way to make coffee. It’s the brew method I reach for every single morning, and it’s the one I recommend to anyone who wants to get serious about making better coffee at home.

In this guide, I’m going to give you an exhaustive overview of the v60 brew method, including what it is, why it’s so popular, why you should learn to brew with it, how it compares to other methods, and more. Let’s dive in!

What is the v60 Brew Method?

The v60 is a pour-over brew method that was invented by Hario, a Japanese glass company, in 2005. The name comes from the 60° angle of the cone-shaped dripper, which is designed to promote even extraction and consistent brewing. And it’s shaped like a V.

The v60 is known for its iconic design, with its spiral ribs and large hole at the bottom of the dripper. These features allow for a faster flow rate than other pour-over methods, which gives the brewer more control over the extraction process.

With great control comes an even greater ability to muck things up since you’re in complete control of how your coffee comes out. While that’s ultimately good, it’s what gives the v60 its reputation for having a steep learning curve.

The v60 has become incredibly popular among specialty coffee enthusiasts because it allows for a high degree of customization and experimentation. With the v60, you have complete control over every variable in the brewing process, from the grind size to the water temperature to the pour rate. This means that you can fine-tune your brewing method to suit your personal taste preferences and the specific beans you’re using.

Why You Should Learn to Make Coffee With the v60

There are countless reasons why I think every coffee lover should learn to brew with the v60, but the main one is that it teaches you the fundamentals of coffee making in a way that no other brew method can.

When you brew with the v60, you’re forced to pay attention to every single variable in the brewing process. You have to think about the grind size, the water temperature, the pour rate, the bloom time, and more. This might seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually an incredible opportunity to learn about how each of these variables affects the final cup.

For example, let’s say you’re using a v60 and you notice that your coffee tastes a bit sour and under-extracted. With other brew methods, you might not know how to fix this problem, but with the v60, you have a range of options. You could try using a finer grind size to slow down the flow rate and increase the extraction. You could try using a higher water temperature to speed up the extraction. You could try pouring more slowly to increase the contact time between the water and the grounds.

By experimenting with these variables and tasting the results, you’ll start to develop a deep understanding of how each one affects the final cup. You’ll learn how to adjust your brewing method to suit different types of beans and different roast levels. You’ll learn how to troubleshoot common problems and how to consistently produce the flavors you love.

I’m gushing, but it’s because the v60 is the reason I’m so passionate about coffee. The v60 is an incredible tool for learning about coffee because it gives you complete control over the brewing process. It has a steep learning curve, but that’s actually a good thing because it forces you to pay attention to the details and develop your skills as a brewer. Learning to make good coffee with the v60 will help you make better coffee with all other brewing methods.

How to Learn the v60 Brew Method

So, you’re convinced that the v60 is worth learning, that’s great, but where do you start? The first thing I’ll say is that there’s no substitute for hands-on experience. You can read all the guides and watch all the videos in the world, but the only way to truly master the v60 is to get your hands dirty and start brewing.

That said, I do think it’s helpful to start with a recipe from a reputable source. There are countless v60 recipes out there, but some of my favorites come from James Hoffmann, Scott Rao, and Tetsu Kasuya. These recipes will give you a solid starting point and help you get a feel for the basic techniques involved in v60 brewing.

Over time, I’ve developed my own favorite recipe that suits my tastes and works well with the kind of coffee I tend to drink. I’ll link it here, but it’s not something you should follow like gospel.

However, I strongly believe that you shouldn’t rely on these recipes forever. The beauty of the v60 is that it allows for endless experimentation and customization. Once you’ve got the basics down, I encourage you to start playing around with the variables and seeing how they affect the final cup.

Try using different grind sizes and see how they change the flavor and mouthfeel of the coffee. Try using different water temperatures and see how they affect the extraction. Try pouring in different patterns and see how they impact the evenness of the extraction.

The more you experiment, the more you’ll learn about your own preferences and the specific quirks of your equipment and beans. Over time, you’ll develop your own unique v60 brewing style that produces the flavors and textures you love.

How Does the v60 Compare to Other Brewing Methods?

Now that we’ve covered the basics of the v60, let’s take a look at how it compares to some other popular brewing methods. If you’re familiar with another brewing method, the following sections will help you decide if you think you’d like to give the v60 a spin.

V60 vs French Press

The French press is often seen as the polar opposite of the v60. While the v60 is all about precision and control, the French press is a much more forgiving and hands-off brewing method.

With the French press, you simply add your grounds and water to the carafe, stir, and let it steep for a few minutes before pressing down the plunger to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee. This means that you have less control over the extraction process, and the final cup tends to be a bit muddier and more full-bodied than what you’d get from a v60.

That said, the French press does have its advantages. For one thing, it’s incredibly easy to use and requires very little technique. It’s also great for brewing larger batches of coffee, which can be helpful if you’re serving a crowd.

Ultimately, the choice between the v60 and the French press comes down to personal preference. If you love bright, clean, and complex flavors, the v60 is probably the way to go. If you prefer a richer, bolder, and more full-bodied cup, the French press might be more up your alley.

V60 vs Aeropress

The Aeropress is another popular brewing method that shares some similarities with the v60. Like the v60, the Aeropress is a single-cup brewing method that allows for a high degree of control over the extraction process.

However, there are some key differences between the two methods. For one thing, the Aeropress uses pressure to force the water through the grounds, while the v60 relies on gravity. This means that the Aeropress tends to produce a slightly more concentrated and intense cup than the v60.

The Aeropress is also a bit more versatile than the v60, in that it can be used to make a wider range of coffee styles. With the right technique, you can use the Aeropress to make everything from a smooth and creamy espresso-style shot to a clean and bright cup that’s similar to what you’d get from a v60.

That said, the v60 does have some advantages over the Aeropress. For one thing, it allows for a more even extraction, thanks to its cone-shaped design and spiral ribs. It also tends to produce a slightly cleaner and more nuanced cup, with more pronounced individual flavors.

Ultimately, the choice between the v60 and the Aeropress comes down to your personal preferences and the type of coffee you’re trying to make. If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use brewing method that can produce a wide range of styles, the Aeropress might be the way to go. If you’re looking for a method that allows for maximum control and produces a clean and nuanced cup, the v60 is hard to beat.

V60 vs Chemex

The Chemex is another pour-over brewing method that shares some similarities with the v60. Like the v60, the Chemex uses a cone-shaped filter and relies on gravity to extract the coffee.

However, there are some key differences between the two methods. For one thing, the Chemex uses a much thicker filter than the v60, which means that it produces a cleaner and brighter cup with less body and oil.

The Chemex is also designed to brew larger batches of coffee than the v60, with most models ranging in size from 3 to 10 cups. This makes it a great option for entertaining or for households with multiple coffee drinkers.

That said, the v60 does have some advantages over the Chemex. For one thing, it allows for more control over the extraction process, thanks to its smaller size and more precise pouring technique. It also tends to produce a slightly more full-bodied and nuanced cup than the Chemex, with more pronounced individual flavors.

Ultimately, the choice between the v60 and the Chemex comes down to your personal preferences and the type of coffee you’re trying to make. If you’re looking for a clean and bright cup that’s easy to share with others, the Chemex is a great option. If you’re looking for a method that allows for maximum control and produces a more nuanced and full-bodied cup, the v60 is the way to go.

V60 vs Automatic Drip

Automatic drip machines are the most common type of coffee maker in American households, and for good reason. They’re incredibly easy to use, they can brew large batches of coffee at once, and they require very little cleanup. But I don’t like them. Here’s why.

When it comes to the quality of the coffee they produce, automatic drip machines are, let’s say, lacking. They simply can’t compete with manual methods like the v60. The main problem with automatic drip machines is that they don’t allow for much control over the extraction process. The water is typically too cool, the flow rate is too fast, and the grind size is often too coarse if you use pre-ground coffee, resulting in a cup that’s weak, bitter, and lacking in flavor.

The v60, on the other hand, allows you to fine-tune every variable in the brewing process to produce a cup that’s tailored to your specific preferences. With the v60, you can use a precise water temperature, a slow and steady pour rate, and a grind size that’s perfectly matched to your beans and brewing style.

The result is a cup of coffee that’s far more complex, nuanced, and flavorful than anything you could get from an automatic drip machine. While automatic drip machines are certainly convenient, they simply can’t match the quality and control of manual methods like the v60.

Wrapping Up

As you can probably tell by now, I’m a huge fan of the v60 brew method. It’s the method I use every single morning, and it’s the one I recommend to anyone who wants to take their coffee game to the next level.

Sure, it takes a bit of practice to master, and it requires a bit more effort than some other brewing methods. But in my opinion, the payoff is more than worth it. With the v60, you have the ability to craft a cup of coffee that’s perfectly tailored to your personal preferences, with a level of complexity and nuance that’s hard to achieve with other methods.

If you’re ready to take your coffee brewing to the next level, I highly encourage you to give the v60 a try. Start with a basic recipe (like mine, maybe) and experiment with different variables to see how they affect your cup. Most importantly, have fun with it. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be brewing up some of the best coffee of your life in no time. I promise.

FAQs

What equipment do I need to brew with the v60?

To brew with the v60, you’ll need a v60 dripper, v60 filters, a gooseneck kettle, a burr grinder, a scale, and of course, some high-quality coffee beans. You may also want to invest in a temperature-controlled kettle for more precise brewing.

What grind size should I use for v60?

The ideal grind size for v60 is medium-fine, similar to table salt. However, the exact grind size will depend on factors like the type of beans you’re using, the water temperature, and your personal taste preferences. It’s a good idea to experiment with different grind sizes to find the one that works best for you.

How much coffee and water should I use for v60?

A good starting point for v60 is a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio, which means using 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water. So if you’re brewing 500ml of coffee, you’ll want to use about 31 grams of coffee. However, you can adjust this ratio to taste, using more coffee for a stronger brew or less for a weaker one.

How long should a v60 brew take?

A typical v60 brew should take around 3-4 minutes from start to finish. If your brew is taking much longer than that, it may be a sign that your grind is too fine or that you’re pouring too slowly. If it’s taking much less time, your grind may be too coarse or you may be pouring too quickly.

Can I use pre-ground coffee for v60?

While it’s always best to grind your own beans fresh for each brew, you can use pre-ground coffee for v60 in a pinch. Just be sure to use a medium-fine grind and to adjust your brewing variables accordingly, as pre-ground coffee will tend to extract more quickly than freshly ground beans.