The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Coffee Beans for Your Pour-Over Brew
Are you craving the perfect cup of pour-over coffee? Look no further! In this article, we will unveil the secret to achieving coffee bliss by exploring the best coffee beans for pour-over. From the rich and bold flavors of Illy Intenso to the smooth and aromatic notes of Gëvalia French Roast, we have handpicked an exceptional selection for your taste buds to savor. But that's not all! We will also delve into the different factors that make a pour-over truly exceptional, such as water-to-coffee ratios and grind sizes. So grab your favorite mug and get ready to embark on a journey of coffee connoisseurship.
Best Coffee for Pour Over
We understand that convenience is important, so even though we recommend buying our coffee (because it truly is the best for pour over), we know that some people prefer the instant gratification of online retailers. That's why we've done the research for you and found the top options on Amazon. We've weeded out the ones that aren't so great, so you don't have to waste time with bad coffee.
One major issue we encountered when testing coffee beans from Amazon was freshness. The beans varied in freshness, with some being roasted a week or two ago, others without a roasting date at all, and some that were roasted several months ago. Here are the ones that meet all the criteria: roasted within the last two weeks, sustainably farmed, and delicious.
Counter Culture Coffee Hologram x 2
Counter Culture Coffee Hologram is one of the best coffees for pour over because it has a unique and complex flavor profile that combines fruity and chocolatey notes.
Pros
- The blend of natural and washed processed coffees creates a multidimensional flavor that's both fruity and chocolatey.
- Counter Culture Coffee is an independent B Corp that works directly with farmers worldwide, selecting high-quality beans and supporting sustainability from seed to cup.
- The coffee is certified kosher and sustainably farmed.
- The coffee is a medium-dark roast, which may not be ideal for those who prefer lighter roasts.
- The blend's components may change with the seasons, resulting in slight variations in flavor from batch to batch.
Counter Culture Coffee is an independent B Corp that has been building relationships with farmers since 1995. They prioritize quality, sustainability, and transparency, making them a trustworthy choice for the best pour over coffee.
Lavazza Organic Tierra! Whole Bean Coffee Blend
If you're looking for a premium Italian coffee experience, consider Lavazza Organic Tierra! Whole Bean Coffee Blend.
Pros
- The blend is made from 100% premium Arabica beans that are sustainably grown in Italy and certified organic.
- The beans are versatile and suitable for pour over, drip coffee makers, French presses, or moka pots.
- The light roast may not appeal to those who prefer a stronger taste and full-bodied coffee.
- The price point is higher compared to other coffee brands.
The only potential downside is that the light roast may not be suitable for those who prefer a bolder taste. However, if you appreciate high-quality coffee and want to experience some of the best Italian pour over coffee, Lavazza Organic Tierra! is definitely worth a try.
Mt. Comfort Coffee Organic Peru Medium Roast
We recommend Mt. Comfort Coffee Organic Peru Medium Roast for a smooth and flavorful pour over experience.
Pros
- Single-origin coffee beans with luscious flavor notes of citrus, milk chocolate, and toasted almonds
- Internationally sourced beans from small mountainside farms in Peru
- 2.5 lb resealable bag for maximum freshness and flavor
- Some may find the taste too mild
- It may not be suitable for those who prefer darker roasts
- Higher price point compared to other pour over coffees
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Founder’s Blend
The Stumptown Coffee Roasters Founder's Blend is perfect for pour over enthusiasts who want a balanced and chocolate-forward cup.
Pros
- This coffee is a full-bodied and flavorful blend of Central and South American beans.
- The Direct Trade program ensures ethical and sustainable sourcing.
- The tasting notes of vanilla and cocoa powder make this coffee enjoyable for all palates.
- The price may be higher compared to other brands.
- The medium roast may not be preferred by those who like darker roasts.
When we brewed their Founder's Blend using pour over, we were delighted by its clean and sweet taste. It combines beans from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico, resulting in a balanced cup with rich chocolate flavors.
The Founder's Blend is versatile and can be enjoyed by everyone, thanks to its tasting notes of vanilla and cocoa powder. It's a great choice for those seeking the best pour over coffee and want the satisfaction of knowing their cup positively impacts the environment and community.
Cameron's Coffee Organic Scandinavian Blend Whole Bean Coffee
If you're looking for a straightforward and easy-drinking coffee, Cameron's Coffee Organic Scandinavian Blend Whole Bean Coffee is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The coffee is smooth and never bitter, making it perfect for pour over brewing.
- The medium-dark roast offers a mild yet balanced taste with a smooth finish.
- Cameron's Coffee is committed to positive changes, including reducing water consumption and choosing premium Arabica beans.
- The packaging may vary and come in a plain white bag with a black label.
- The coffee is only available in a 4-pound bag, which may be too large for some.
Remember that this coffee comes in a large, four-pound bag, so make sure you have proper airtight storage to maintain its freshness. The packaging may vary, but the taste is what matters to us.
Overall, we recommend Cameron's Coffee Organic Scandinavian Blend Whole Bean Coffee for its approachable flavor and suitability for varied palates. With its commitment to positive change and premium Arabica beans, it's a great choice for the best pour over coffee.
Types of Coffee Beans More Suitable for Pour-Over Coffee
Here are the types of coffee beans that are most preferred for pour-over brewing.
1) Arabica
Arabica beans are a popular choice for pour-over brewing because of their high-quality flavors and aromas. They have a complex flavor profile with notes of fruit, floral, and acidity. Arabica beans produce a smooth and well-balanced cup of coffee.
2) Robusta
Robusta beans are another type of coffee bean known for their higher caffeine content and stronger, more robust flavor. While they aren't as commonly used for pour-over brewing as Arabica beans, some coffee enthusiasts enjoy the added intensity and body they provide.
3) Single-Origin
Single-origin beans come from a specific geographic location, such as a particular country, region, or even a single farm. They showcase the unique characteristics of the growing region and offer distinct flavors and aromas. Single-origin beans are favored by those who appreciate the nuanced aspects of coffee.
4) Blend
Coffee blends are created by combining beans from multiple origins to achieve a desired flavor profile or balance. Blends offer a combination of different flavors and can be specifically crafted for pour-over brewing. They provide complexity, balance, and consistency in the cup.
Illy Intenso Ground Coffee
illy Intenso Ground Drip Coffee, Bold Roast Check Current Price
Illy is a well-known coffee brand recognized for its silver tin packaging, ethical practices, and wide range of coffees. In addition to their Intenso ground coffee, they offer a Classico medium roast, a Forte dark roast, and a decaffeinated medium roast.
The Intenso coffee, as a bold roast, has a deep flavor with some acidity. It features notes of cocoa, making it a rich beverage perfect for those with a sweet tooth. You have the option to buy this coffee in a pack of 6, with each tin containing 8.8 ounces of coffee grounds.
Quick Facts:
- Price: The cost of this coffee is approximately $14, making it moderately priced. However, the price per ounce is $1.59, making it the most expensive coffee on this list based on cost per ounce.
- Origin: Illy uses 100% Arabica beans sourced from Guatemala, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Costa Rica. They prioritize ethical business practices, ensuring fair treatment of farmers and environmental sustainability.
- Additional Information: Illy has been recognized as one of the world's most ethical companies and is certified as a B Corp, highlighting their high standards and commitment to quality.
Gëvalia French Roast Dark Grounds
Gevalia French Roast Dark Ground Coffee Check Current Price
Among Gëvalia's offerings is their French Roast ground coffee, which is a dark roast available in a 20-ounce bag. This coffee is recommended for pour over brewing as it allows for the full extraction of flavors from the grounds.
As a dark roast, this coffee has less caffeine than light and medium roasts but more than bold roasts, which are roasted longer than dark roasts.
The French Roast has a full body with subtle notes of caramel, resulting in a sweet and rich coffee.
With its resealable bag, this coffee is convenient for those who don't brew coffee often and want to maintain the freshness of the grounds.
Gëvalia has indicated that this coffee is ideal for those following a Kosher diet. It is made by slow-roasting the beans to ensure the fullest flavor profile is maintained.
Quick Facts:
- Price: This dark roast coffee costs approximately $13 per 20-ounce bag, making it a somewhat affordable option. The price per ounce is $0.63, making it the cheapest option per ounce on this list.
- Origin: This coffee is made with 100% Arabica beans sourced from Colombia, Costa Rica, Kenya, and Guatemala. The multiple sources ensure only the best-quality beans are used.
- Additional Information: In addition to coffee grounds, this blend is also available in whole bean form, providing more options for coffee preparation. Gëvalia offers several other roasts, including espresso, kick-ass blend, majestic roast, house blend, and traditional roast.
Kicking Horse Coffee Medium Roast Grounds
Kicking Horse Coffee, Smart Ass, Medium Roast Check Current Price
Kicking Horse is a coffee company that prioritizes fair trade and ethical coffee production, supporting farmers and ensuring organic practices.
They offer a range of coffee options, from light roast to dark roast, sourced from Central and South America, Africa, and Indonesia.
In addition to the Smart Ass medium roast coffee, Kicking Horse also has a Kick Ass Blend, which is a dark roast option. The Smart Ass coffee has notes of milk chocolate, sugar cane, honeyed berry, and tart red currant to create a balanced and flavorful cup.
Quick Facts:
- Price: This coffee costs approximately per 10-ounce bag, making it the cheapest option on this list. The cost per ounce is $0.70, making it affordable at the base level.
- Origin: The coffee beans used in this blend are sourced from Africa, South America, and Central America. They are Arabica beans, resulting in a medium roast with low acidity and bitterness.
- Additional Information: Kicking Horse coffee is produced using Fair Trade practices, ensuring fair treatment of all involved in the coffee production process. The beans are also certified Kosher, making them a suitable choice for those following a Kosher diet.
Lavazza iTierra Organic Amazonia Ground Coffee
Lavazza ¡Tierra! Organic Amazonia Medium Roast Check Current Price
Concerns about coffee sourcing and its impact on the environment have led Lavazza to create the iTierra Amazonia ground coffee. This coffee is USDA certified organic, ensuring proper treatment during cultivation.
The coffee is carefully hand-picked from plantations to ensure only the ripest beans are selected, resulting in a higher quality product. Lavazza's partner plantations are certified sustainable, guaranteeing environmentally friendly practices.
This medium roast coffee has a pleasant aroma with hints of fruit and florals, offering a sweet and flavorful experience. It is less acidic and bitter compared to lighter roasts offered by other brands.
For those who prioritize coffee quality and bean origin, this is a great option. The beans are all organic and harvested through a collaboration with specific plantations that follow correct harvesting procedures and avoid the use of harmful chemicals.
Quick Facts
- Price: This coffee is available in a 10.5-ounce bag for approximately $14. While the initial price may seem low, the cost per ounce is $1.33, placing it in the middle price range.
- Origin: This blend uses 100% Arabica beans sourced from Peru in South America.
- Additional Information: Lavazza describes this coffee as having a 5/10 intensity, making it a favorable choice for those who prefer a less intense flavor. For a stronger or deeper taste, other Lavazza offerings are recommended.
San Francisco Bay Coffee Fog Chaser Grounds
San Francisco Bay Coffee Fog Chaser Check Current Price
Supporting farming communities directly is important to San Francisco Bay Coffee. By purchasing their products, you can contribute to their meaningful work. One of their popular products is the Fog Chaser, named after the common weather phenomenon in San Francisco.
The brand offers a wide range of roasts from light to dark, decaffeinated options, and blends made through specific methods. These include Hawaiian and Italian blends, organic offerings, and flavored versions like praline pecan and hazelnut crème.
Apart from their commitment to supporting farmers, the company has established the Roger's Family Trust, which focuses on beneficial initiatives. Proceeds from sales go towards building schools, improving housing for farmers, and providing medical care to the communities they operate in.
Quick Facts
- Price: A 28-ounce bag of this coffee is priced at $25. Although it may seem expensive, the cost per ounce is $0.89, making it comparatively cheaper.
- Origin: This medium roast coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans sourced from Honduras and Colombia. These beans are sustainably grown and harvested by recognized farmers.
- Additional Information: San Francisco Bay Coffee emphasizes ethical sourcing and farmer support in their business practices. They prioritize improving the quality of life for these individuals.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Medium Roast Beans
Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Medium Roast Coffee Bean Check Current Price
Established in 1999, Stumptown Coffee Roasters offers carefully roasted and ethically harvested organic coffees. The company is committed to fair business practices and ensures no negative impact on the environment or people involved in production.
Their medium roast beans, available as whole beans, provide a rich coffee taste with less acidity. The Arabica beans used contribute to the sweet flavors and are ideal for a morning cup of coffee with breakfast.
This medium roast coffee has a balanced flavor profile with less acidity and bitterness compared to light roasts. It offers tasting notes of caramel, hazelnut, and citrus zest, resulting in a satisfying and flavorful experience.
Quick Facts
- Price: A 12-ounce bag of this coffee costs approximately $16, making it relatively affordable. The price per ounce is $1.25, placing it in the higher-priced category.
- Origin: Made from 100% Arabica beans, this coffee is sourced from Central America, Indonesia, South America, and East Africa. The beans are directly collected from their origins, ensuring fair compensation for those involved.
- Additional Information: This coffee needs to be ground for pour-over brewing but can also be used with other brewing methods like automatic coffee machines and French presses.
Buying Guide
Several factors should be considered when purchasing coffee for pour over brewing. Here are important points to keep in mind:
Roast Level
The roast level determines the flavor profile of the coffee. Lighter roasts have a brighter and more acidic taste, while dark roasts have a stronger and more bitter flavor. The roast level also slightly affects caffeine content, with lighter roasts containing more caffeine.
There is no universal coffee for pour over brewing, as the best option depends on personal preferences. Some may prefer medium-dark roasts, while others may enjoy lighter roasts. Experimenting with different roast levels is recommended.
Origin
The origin of the coffee bean influences its flavor. Different regions produce coffee with distinct flavors and aromas. African coffees often have a fruity and floral taste, while South American coffees may have nuttier and more chocolate-forward flavors.
Additionally, consider how the coffee is farmed. Look for organic and sustainable coffee options. Some organic coffees may lack certification, so it's best to inquire with the roaster about their sourcing practices.
Freshness
Freshly roasted coffee beans yield the best-tasting coffee. Look for beans roasted within the past two weeks. It's also recommended to buy whole beans and grind them before brewing to ensure maximum freshness. Pre-ground coffee should be avoided for the best pour over experience.
Price
Price is a factor to consider when purchasing coffee for pour over. High-quality coffee may be more expensive, but it offers a superior taste. However, affordable options are also available that still provide a delicious pour over coffee.
Processing
Coffee beans are not legumes; they are seeds found inside a coffee fruit known as a "cherry." These beans are processed to remove the fruit skin and pulp.
The coffee processing method affects the taste of the coffee. Washed coffee involves complete removal of the fruit before drying the beans. Natural processing involves drying the coffee cherries with the seeds inside. Honey-processed coffee retains some of the fruit's sugars and secretions.
Coffee processed using any method is suitable for pour over brewing. Natural and honey-processed coffee beans usually offer more complex fruity flavors.
Water To Coffee Ratio
A good coffee-to-water ratio is essential regardless of the brewing method. We recommend a ratio between 1:14 and 1:20, meaning for every 1 gram of coffee, use between 14 and 20 grams of water. Adjust the ratio based on personal preference for strong or less robust coffee.
Roast Level
All coffee beans require roasting, and the roasting process impacts the flavor significantly.
Light and medium roasts are well-suited for pour over brewing as they bring out the floral, fruity notes, and complex flavors. Dark roasts may result in overly bitter coffee. However, if bitterness is preferred, pour over coffee made with dark roast beans can satisfy the palate.
Grind size
It is always recommended to purchase whole-bean coffee and grind it in small batches before brewing, regardless of the brewing method you use. This way, your coffee will have a vibrant aroma and flavor.
A good burr coffee grinder allows you to adjust the grind size to achieve the perfect consistency for your favorite coffee drink. However, if you don't have a burr grinder or prefer a simpler approach to your morning cup, that's perfectly fine!
For pour-over coffee, a medium-coarse to medium grind size is generally considered the best. However, some coffee enthusiasts prefer a finer grind size, so feel free to experiment and find what works best for you.
On the other hand, a coarse grind can cause the hot water to flow through the paper filter too quickly, resulting in a watery coffee with muted flavor notes.
Top-rated coffee beans for pour-over in 2023
Once you understand the factors that can affect the taste of coffee, you are well-equipped to choose a bag of beans that suits your preferences. Here are my top picks for the highest-rated coffee beans for pour-over:
Image | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Top Pick
| Volcanica Tanzania Peaberry |
| Check Price |
Most Versatile
| Fresh Roasted Coffee Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Kochere |
| Check Price |
Breakfast Blend
| Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hundred Mile Blend |
| Check Price |
| Coffee Bros Light Roast Signature Blend |
| Check Price |
| Joe Coffee Company Amsterdam Blend |
| Check Price |
| Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass |
| Check Price |
| River Moon Coffee Kona Waves |
| Check Price |
| San Francisco Bay Coffee Fog Chaser |
| Check Price |
Volcanica Tanzania Peaberry
The Volcanica Tanzania Peaberry coffee is made from Arabica beans that are grown on the slopes of the famous Mount Kilimanjaro. This medium roast, fair-trade coffee is unique because it is made from hand-selected peaberry beans.
Peaberry beans come from cherries that grow at the tips of coffee tree branches and contain only one pea-shaped coffee seed instead of the usual two. This concentrated bean packs more natural oils and nutrients, resulting in a rich, full-bodied, and sweeter taste with bright acidity. The aroma of this coffee is reminiscent of chocolate with hints of dried fruit and orange. It's a treat for both aroma and taste buds!
Despite its exceptional quality, the Volcanica Tanzania Peaberry is surprisingly affordable compared to other peaberry coffees. Whether you prefer your coffee black or with milk, this smooth-bodied coffee with its sweet acidity is an excellent choice for pour-over brewing.
Check Price on Amazon
Fresh Roasted Coffee Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Kochere
Yirgacheffe Kochere is a medium-roasted, single-origin coffee from Ethiopia, sourced by Fresh Roasted Coffee company with a focus on environmental and community responsibility. The beans are nitrogen-flushed and packaged to preserve freshness until they reach you.
This coffee has a medium body and a smooth flavor with distinct fruity notes of lemon and honey. It's a well-balanced cup of coffee that you can enjoy with various pour-over methods. It also works wonderfully for making espresso or cold brew.
If you appreciate versatility in your coffee choices, the Fresh Roasted Coffee Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Kochere is an excellent option. It offers a consistent and satisfying flavor profile, making it a great choice for coffee lovers looking for variety.
Check Price on Amazon
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hundred Mile Blend
If you have a sweet tooth, you're in for a treat with Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hundred Mile Blend. This unique blend combines certified organic Arabica beans from Africa with Central and South American beans, resulting in a cup of coffee that satisfies your craving for sweetness.
With a medium roast, this coffee offers a complex and delicious flavor profile. The African beans bring delightful floral notes that perfectly complement the jam and toffee flavors of the South and Central American beans.
Stumptown Hundred Mile Blend has a sweet and rich flavor that makes it an excellent choice for a breakfast blend. It pairs well with breakfast foods like eggs, toast, or freshly baked pastries.
Not only is this a top pick for pour-over brewing, but many coffee lovers also enjoy it with French press or Moka Pot. It even serves as a fantastic base for milk-based coffee beverages.
The best part? Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hundred Mile Blend is affordable, so you can enjoy a high-quality cup of coffee without breaking the bank.
Check Price on Amazon
Coffee Bros Light Roast Signature Blend
Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the rich flavor of Coffee Bros Light Roast Signature Blend. This blend of 100% Arabica beans is carefully selected to maximize the flavor and quality of your coffee experience.
With a light roast, this coffee offers a delightful combination of Ethiopian and Colombian beans. The fruity and floral notes of Ethiopian coffee harmonize perfectly with the sweetness of Colombian beans. The result is a well-balanced cup with notes of honey, citrus fruit, and floral undertones.
Coffee Bros Light Roast Signature Blend is ideal for pour-over brewing. It produces a silky-bodied cup of coffee that provides a fantastic start to your day. Additionally, these light-roasted beans can also be used to make excellent espresso if you have an espresso machine or a hand-held espresso maker.
What's more, Coffee Bros Light Roast Signature Blend offers excellent value for money, making it an affordable choice for coffee lovers seeking premium taste.
Check Price on Amazon
Joe Coffee Company Amsterdam Blend
Don't let the name fool you—the Joe Coffee Company Amsterdam Blend is not from the Netherlands. It is a medium-roasted blend of single-origin coffee beans sourced from the Minas Gerais region in Brazil. These beans are dried naturally using environmentally and socially responsible practices.
The natural drying process, which involves drying whole coffee cherries with the skin on, gives the Amsterdam Blend its complex earthy aromas. When brewed, you will notice a nutty flavor with hints of toffee, walnut, and dark chocolate. The blend has a smooth and delicate taste with less acidity.
Joe Coffee roasts the beans carefully to bring out the rich body without overwhelming the flavor with smoky or over-roasted notes.
This Amsterdam Blend is perfect for pour-over brewing. It creates a bold cup of coffee with a delicate balance between complex acidity and sweetness. Whether you prefer your coffee black or with add-ins, this blend offers a consistently enjoyable experience.
Check Price on Amazon
Kettles For A Pour-Over
With some brewing methods, the speed and precision of your pour are not as crucial, and you can use a basic tea kettle or a pot with a spout built into the rim. However, if you're using a pour-over device, it's best to use a kettle with a gooseneck spout. This type of spout allows you to have better control over the water flow and direction, resulting in more precise pouring and better timing.
Now, the text has been rewritten while keeping the HTML tags and their content the same. The information remains intact and has been presented in a coherent and fluent manner.
Pour-Over Brewing Time
The total brewing time for a pour-over depends on the method used, usually falling within the range of 3 to 4 minutes. The grind you choose determines whether you aim for a shorter or longer brew time. For finer grinds like the V60, a slightly faster brew is desired. On the other hand, coarser grinds like those used in a Chemex require a slower brew time. Most other methods lie in between. Deviating from the target time indicates an improper grind. For example, a two-minute brew time suggests the need for a finer grind to slow it down, while a five-minute brew time implies a coarser grind is needed.
We have provided ample information for you to delve into, but if you are eager to learn more, consider joining our classes! We offer both virtual and in-person classes at a Counter Culture Training Center near you. Explore the dates and times of these classes, and we look forward to brewing with you soon!
In conclusion, when it comes to the best coffee beans for pour-over, there are a wide variety of options to choose from. Whether you prefer a bold and intense flavor like the Illy Intenso Ground Coffee or a smooth and rich taste like the Gëvalia French Roast Dark Grounds, there is something for every coffee lover. Don't overlook the importance of factors such as processing, water to coffee ratio, roast level, and grind size, as they can greatly impact the final result. So, grab your favorite kettle, set your brew time, and indulge in the perfect pour-over coffee experience with these top-notch coffee bean options. Cheers to the art of brewing!

Discover the unrivaled world of coffee grinding as we unveil the Wirecutter Favorites, guiding you towards finding the ultimate coffee grinder. Gain comprehensive insights, expert recommendations, and insider tips to elevate your coffee game to astonishing new heights. Unleash the true potential of your beans and embark on a flavor-packed journey like no other. Don't settle for anything less than perfection – let the ultimate coffee grinder be your key to unlocking the unparalleled richness and aroma of every brew.

Looking for the perfect coffee maker with grinder? Discover the ultimate guide to find the best one for you! We'll explore the advantages and disadvantages, along with our top picks, to help you make that perfect brew. Click here now!

Looking for the ultimate coffee experience? Discover the best single cup coffee makers with integrated grinders! Our comprehensive guide explores top-notch features, a detailed comparison, and even highlights the pros and cons. Elevate your mornings with the perfect brew in every cup. Click here now!

Discover the top burr coffee grinders of 2022 in our ultimate guide to choosing the best grinder for pour over. Elevate your coffee experience and achieve perfection with these expert-recommended options.