How to Brew the Best Decaf Pour Over at Home

Disclaimer: Coffee brewing is an adventure, and these instructions are a starting point based on what we have found brings out the best in our decaf coffees. Have fun experimenting to find what works for your taste preferences.

Brewing decaf coffee as a pour over can unlock rich flavors, sweetness, and satisfying body when done right. But decaf beans behave differently in brewing because the decaffeination process changes their density and extraction profile. In this guide, we will share how to brew both medium and dark roast decafs using a pour over method, with a focus on tools like the Hario V60, which is one of the most popular and trusted brewers for making excellent pour over coffee. We will highlight our favorite decaf offerings: Sidekick, Jitterfree Delight, and After Dark Drip.

You can find the classic Hario V60 pour over dripper here: Buy a Hario V60.

Quick Summary of the Decaf Pour Over Method

• Use 18 grams of medium fine coffee, grind size around 600 microns
• Use 300 grams of filtered water at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for medium roast, 195 degrees for dark roast
• Rinse the filter and preheat your pour over device and server
• Bloom with 50 grams of water for 30 seconds
• Pour in slow, circular motions in three stages over two minutes
• Total brew time should be around three minutes

Why Pour Over Brewing Shines for Decaf

The pour over method gives you control over every variable, from grind size to pouring speed, which is essential for highlighting the sweetness and complexity in decaf coffees. Decaf can taste flat or dull if extracted too quickly or unevenly, but a quality pour over device like the Hario V60 helps balance extraction for a clean, sweet cup. With decaf, controlling water temperature, grind size, and pouring technique is the key to unlocking rich, satisfying flavors.

Medium Roast Decaf: Brewing Sidekick or Jitterfree Delight

Our Sidekick and Jitterfree Delight are both medium roast decafs that feature chocolate, nutty, and subtle fruit notes. Brewing these as a pour over highlights their sweetness and preserves delicate acidity for a balanced, smooth cup.

For medium roast decafs, use the following method:

1. Weigh out 18 grams of coffee and grind to medium fine, around 600 microns, similar to table salt.
2. Heat filtered water to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Warmer water helps medium roast decafs fully extract their flavor, which can be harder to coax out due to reduced solubility.
3. Rinse your paper filter thoroughly with hot water to remove papery taste and preheat the brewer and server.
4. Add ground coffee to the filter and level the bed with a gentle shake.
5. Start your timer and pour 50 grams of water evenly over the coffee bed to bloom. Let it sit for 30 seconds to release trapped gases.
6. Continue pouring in slow, circular motions until you reach 150 grams by 1 minute and 30 seconds. Let the water draw down slightly.
7. Finish by pouring the remaining water to reach 300 grams total, aiming for a total brew time of 3 minutes.
8. Stir gently or swirl your server to mix the layers for a more even cup, then enjoy the sweet, smooth results.

Dark Roast Decaf: Brewing After Dark Drip

Our After Dark Drip is a darker roast decaf designed for a deep, comforting cup with chocolate and caramel notes. Dark roast decafs are more soluble, so they can over extract easily if brewed like medium roasts. Slightly cooler water and a faster pour help keep flavors balanced and avoid bitterness.

For dark roast decafs, follow these steps:

1. Use the same 18 grams of coffee ground to medium fine.
2. Heat filtered water to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooler water helps control extraction and prevents bitter notes common in dark roasts.
3. Rinse the filter thoroughly to remove papery flavors and warm your brewing equipment.
4. Add ground coffee and level the bed evenly.
5. Bloom with 50 grams of water for 30 seconds to ensure full saturation.
6. Pour steadily in circular motions until you reach 150 grams by 1 minute and 15 seconds. Dark roasts benefit from a slightly faster brew to limit bitterness.
7. Continue pouring to reach 300 grams by 2 minutes and 30 seconds total brew time.
8. Swirl or stir the brew to blend layers, then enjoy a bold, smooth cup with balanced chocolate notes.

Why Decaf Behaves Differently

Decaffeination methods like Swiss Water or sugarcane process change the bean’s cell structure, lowering solubility. This makes decaf harder to extract fully, especially in medium roasts, while dark roasts can go bitter quickly without careful brewing. Adjusting grind, temperature, and pour rate helps bring decaf to life with sweetness, body, and satisfying complexity.

Extra Tips for Decaf Pour Overs

• Use a gooseneck kettle for precise pouring and control.
• Keep your grind consistent with a burr grinder for balanced extraction.
• Use fresh decaf roasted specifically for decaf lovers like our Sidekick, Jitterfree Delight, and After Dark Drip.
• Use filtered water to preserve clarity of flavor. Tap water with chlorine or excessive minerals can dull coffee’s brightness.
• Adjust your pouring style to the roast. Pour more slowly for medium roasts to extract sweetness, faster for dark roasts to avoid bitterness.

Final Thoughts: Enjoying the Best Decaf Pour Over

Brewing decaf coffee as a pour over is a rewarding way to bring out the best in your beans. Medium roasts like Sidekick and Jitterfree Delight offer balanced sweetness and subtle fruit when brewed carefully, while dark roasts like After Dark Drip shine with bold chocolate flavors and a smooth finish. By dialing in your grind size, water temperature, and pouring technique, you can create vibrant, complex decaf cups that rival any caffeinated brew. Remember, coffee is personal. Taste, tweak, and enjoy the journey of finding your perfect decaf pour over method.

To further tweak your recipe, check out our blog that digs even deeper into more adjustments to make with EA vs SWP.

Which decaf pour over method works best for you? Share your brews with us on Instagram by tagging @frequent.coffee. We love seeing how you enjoy Sidekick, Jitterfree Delight, and After Dark Drip at home!

Disclaimer

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional dietary or health advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.