V60
The V60 is one of the most popular pour-over methods, valued for its clarity and control. It produces a bright, clean cup that highlights the unique character of the coffee. The cone design allows water to flow evenly through the grounds, extracting balanced flavor.
Grind: Medium-Fine (leaning coarse)
Dose/Final Weight: 18g/325ml
Bloom: 30-45g (35sec)
3 Pours:
- 1st pour to 125ml
- 2nd pour to 225ml
- 3rd pour to 325ml
Brew Time: ~2:15
Tip: Pour hot water slowly from the center outward in a clockwise circular motion. Make sure the water does not come into direct contact with the paper filter.
Melitta (Flat-bottom Cone)
Melitta-style drippers are best suited for brewers seeking a fuller-bodied cup. Their flat-bottom shape allows more fines to collect, while the wider-spaced ridges create less aeration. The result is a richer brew with less pronounced acidity than a V60, while still preserving balanced flavor and aromatics.
Grind: Medium-coarse (leaning towards the medium coarse-like consistency of table salt)
Dose/Final Weight: 30g/350-375ml
Bloom: 30-45g (25-30sec)
3 Pours:
- 1st pour to 200ml
- 2nd pour to 300ml
- 3rd pour to desired weight 350-375ml
Brew Time: ~3:20
Tip: A slightly coarser grind often works well with Melitta drippers. Faster flow helps produce a clean, vibrant cup while maintaining balance.
Espresso
Brewing espresso is both an art and a science, producing a concentrated coffee with rich flavor and crema. Small adjustments to grind size, dose, and extraction time can dramatically affect the final cup. If you’re looking to improve your technique, our hands-on espresso classes help home brewers learn to dial in their machines.
- Grind Coffee Fresh
- Dose and Tamp Evenly
- Lock the Portafilter In
- Start the Extraction
- Watch the Shot Flow
- Stop and Taste
Tip: Espresso typically extracts best in about 25–30 seconds. If the shot runs too fast, grind finer. If it runs too slow, grind slightly coarser and adjust your dose.
Taste what the coffee has to show
A simple way to notice more in your cup.
Coffee Like Wine begins with attention. Tony uses aroma, sweetness, brightness, body, texture, and finish to understand what makes each coffee distinct.
- Notice the fragrance before the first sip.
- Take the first sip black.
- Return to the coffee as the cup cools.
- Notice its sweetness, brightness, body, texture, and finish.
Free home espresso guide
When your espresso tastes off, know what to change.
Get Tony’s Home Espresso Tweaking Guide—a practical reference for fixing shots that run fast, slow, sour, bitter, thin, harsh, or inconsistent.
- Simple adjustments you can make at home
- Clear help with grind, dose, yield, and time
- A quick reference to keep near your machine
You’ll also receive occasional brewing tips, new coffee releases, and updates from Troubadour. Unsubscribe anytime.
Want hands-on help? Explore our Home Espresso class
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