My local shop's barista told me to stop stirring my pour over

I always stirred my V60 right after pouring to make sure all the grounds got wet. But yesterday at The Daily Grind, the barista said that breaks the filter bed and makes it drain too fast. She told me to just pour in circles and let it sit for 45 seconds before the next pour. I tried it this morning and my cup was way smoother, less bitter. Has anyone else had a barista give you a small tip that totally fixed your brew?

3 comments

3 Comments

ray1891mo ago

Man, that barista gave you some solid advice. I used to do the same thing and my coffee was always a bit off. What miakelly said about the bloom is spot on, letting those gases out makes a huge difference. It's wild how one small change can turn a bitter cup into something really smooth. I'm glad you got that tip.

miakelly1mo ago

Wait, you were STIRRING a pour over? I'm kind of shocked that was ever your method (no offense). That barista just saved your coffee life, honestly. Letting it sit for that first bit is called the bloom, and it lets the gas escape so you don't get those harsh, bitter flavors.

hugo8251mo agoMost Upvoted

Oh man, same thing happened to me with swirling instead of stirring. My coffee got way less sour overnight, it was wild.