The complete guide to brewing coffee with the V60: A journey of flavours

published on April 08, 2019 — by Marc-Alexandre Emond-Boisjoly — 10 mins of reading —


The Hario V60 has established itself as a must-have for coffee lovers, especially those who enjoy the filter coffee process. It's more than just a preparation tool; it's a method of exploring the subtleties of coffee aromas in an incomparable way.

The history of the Hario V60

Hario, whose name derives from the Japanese word for "king of glass", was founded in Tokyo in 1921. In its early days, the company manufactured heat-resistant glass. It wasn't until 1948 that Hario entered the world of coffee with the creation of its first coffee siphon for the home.

But it was in 2005 that the coffee icon, the Hario V60, saw the light of day. This conical filter, with its simple yet ingenious design, is the result of years of research and testing. Its name comes from its "V" shape and 60-degree angle, which enable precise control of water and air flow. Thanks to this design, the barista or coffee lover can adapt the taste of their coffee by adjusting various parameters, such as the fineness of the grind or the water temperature.

In 2010, the Hario V60 was thrust onto the international scene when Michael Phillips won the World Brewers Cup with this tool in London. Since then, it has helped numerous champions win the world title on several occasions, consolidating its status in the world of specialty coffee.

Préparation d'un café de spécialité avec balance et V60.

Why choose the V60?

The V60 has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best coffee-making tools for professionals and amateurs alike. Here are just a few reasons why this filter has become so popular:

  1. Simplicity The V60 is easy to use, whether for a daily cup or for barista competitions.
  2. Control Thanks to its large hole at the bottom and its internal spirals, the V60 allows very precise extraction control, directly influencing the final taste.
  3. Various materials The V60 is available in ceramic, glass, plastic and metal, each material offering different properties, particularly in terms of heat retention. The ceramic model, for example, is made in the town of Arita, known for its quality ceramics for over 400 years.

The recipe for perfect coffee with the V60

Here's a simple recipe for mastering the art of filter coffee with the V60.

Equipment required:

  • V60 and paper filters
  • Coffee grinder
  • Freshly ground coffee from 94 celcius
  • Gooseneck kettle (for precise pouring)
  • Balance
  • Cup or carafe

Preparation steps :

  1. Grind the coffee Use a medium grind, similar to the size of table sugar. To start, use 20g of coffee for 330ml of water.
  2. Prepare the filter Place the paper filter in the V60 and rinse with hot water to remove paper residue and preheat the filter.
  3. Pour and bloom Add the ground coffee to the V60 and pour 45ml of water at 94 Celsius to moisten the coffee. Allow the coffee to bloom for 30-45 seconds. This releases the CO2 and prepares an even extraction.
  4. Gradually pour in Continue pouring 80ml of water in small circles, taking care to pour slowly and evenly. Then pour in the remaining 125ml, still in concentric circles, for a total of 330ml of water.
  5. Leave to drain Once the water has completely percolated through the coffee, remove the V60 and enjoy. Aim to finish brewing your coffee in around 3:00 minutes.

Master the subtleties of specialty coffee with the V60

The V60 offers extraordinary flexibility in terms of taste customization. The recommended ratio of coffee to water is often 1:16 or 1:17, but this can vary according to taste. By playing with water temperature, grind fineness and pouring speed, you can explore a wide range of aromatic profiles, from fruity and tangy notes to deeper, chocolatey flavors.

The V60 and the World Brewers Cup

The V60's impact extends far beyond kitchens and cafés. It has made history at the World Brewers Cup, where it was used by several champions to win the title. This is testament not only to the quality of this tool, but also to its ability to extract the best flavors from coffee, making it perfect for top-level competitions. The world's top baristas often choose the V60 for its precision and ability to bring out the complexity of specialty coffees.

Dégustation de l'abonnement du Club Expé avec un V60 en porcelaine sur table de bois

Choosing the right grain for the V60

For best results, it's essential to choose quality coffee beans. Specialty coffees, with a score of 84 points or more on the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) scale, are ideal for extraction with a V60. These beans, often from small farms or cooperatives, are roasted to preserve the nuances of their terroir of origin.

Each type of coffee will bring out different flavors. For example, a coffee from Ethiopia might bring notes of fruit and flowers, while a coffee from Brazil will have more chocolatey, nutty touches. The V60 lets you explore these differences with great precision.

Conclusion

Hario's V60 is not just a tool for brewing coffee, it's an invitation to explore the aromas, textures and flavors of specialty coffee. Whether you're a passionate amateur or a seasoned barista, this dripper offers the flexibility and control you need to extract the best notes from your favorite coffee beans.

Discover our wide selection of coffees, ideal for V60 extractions ➡️



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