Brewing coffee with a clever dripper offers a number of benefits with one of the main benefits being the control it offers over the brewing process. This manual pour-over method allows you to control the water temperature, pour rate, and brew time, allowing you to tailor the coffee to your specific taste preferences.
Another benefit of the clever dripper is the ability to bring out the unique flavors and aromas of the coffee beans. The pour-over method allows for a slow and steady flow of water, which helps to extract the full flavor profile of the beans. It also prevents over-extraction and bitter taste.
The clever dripper is also a great option for those who prefer to make coffee for one or two people, as it is a simple and efficient way to brew a single cup of coffee. It’s also easy to clean and maintain, making it a convenient option for daily use.
Follow the step-by-step guide outlined below and you will be sure to have a great cup of coffee each and every time.
What You Need
- Goose Neck Kettle
- Clever Dripper
- Burr Grinder
- Whole Bean Coffee ( preferably locally roasted)
- Scale
- Filter paper
- Timer
- Spoon or Stir Stick
- Carafe for Decanting
How to Make Coffee with a Clever Dripper
Step 1. Weigh Out the Coffee Beans
Using the scale and a ratio of 16 to 1 (water to coffee), weigh out 20g of coffee.
Step 2. Grind Your Coffee Beans
Grind the fresh roasted coffee beans using a medium coarse setting.
Step 3. Heat Water and Prep the Clever Dripper
Heat your water to a temperature between 195ºF-205ºF. Fold the filter along the seams at the side and bottom of the filter and place the filter into the Clever Dripper. Pour some hot water over the filter and rinse it out. This will get rid of any papery taste.
It will also preheat your brewer and your mug, as well as to improve the uniformity of the extraction and to improve the taste of your coffee. You shouldn’t forget to discard this water before you start the brewing process.
Step 4. Place the Dripper on the Scale and Add the Coffee
Place your Clever Coffee Dripper on the scale and tare (zero out) the scale. Then, add your freshly ground coffee beans and double check the amount of coffee you are using. Tare the scale one more time.
Step 5. Pour the Water and Let the Coffee Bloom
Start your timer and pour in just enough water to completely saturate your coffee grounds. Usually this is double the amount of coffee you are using. For example, if you are using 20g of coffee, you will add 40g of water.
The idea here is to ensure that all the coffee grounds are immersed and if you are using fresh roasted coffee you will see the coffee “bloom”
Wait for 30 seconds for the ground beans to bloom, then pour the rest of the water (260g) and place the lid on your Clever Coffee Dripper. This will help keep the heat in.
Step 6. Stir to Break the Crust
At about halfway through the brewing process of about 2 minutes, take of the lid and using either a spoon or stir stick, gently move the coffee around. This is important in ensuring that all the grounds are fully immersed. You shouldn’t stir strongly, simply mix the brew softly to break any remaining crust that may be floating at the top of your brew.
Step 7. Let the Coffee Drain
At 3 1/2 minutes, you should draw down your coffee. To do this, take the Clever Dripper off the scale and place it on top of the carafe or mug. Watch it as the draining valve opens to let your coffee draw down. You should let the process continue until the coffee bed is level. This should not take more than 60 seconds.
Step 8. Enjoy
The best part of the whole process. If you are using fresh roasted coffee (ideally locally roasted), you may notice different flavors come through as your coffee cools. Try to drink your coffee within 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
One of the best things about using a Clever Coffee Dripper is the filter. This helps in catching all the coffee grounds that you usually get in other brewers such as a French press. In other words, it traps the oily substances and give a brighter tasting coffee.
The Clever Coffee Dripper also give you with the ability to brew the coffees using different ratios to fit your taste. So, if you find the coffee too strong than use coarser grind or if you find the coffee too weak then you can just grind the coffee a little finer. Once you get the coffee to taste the way you want then just sit back and enjoy!
You might be able to get the clever dripper from a local coffee shop or you can order one from Amazon