Best Coffee for Pour Over: 5 Top Picks for a Perfect Brew

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There are seemingly endless ways to brew a delicious cup of coffee. But the one we return to time and again is pour over, which involves pouring hot water over fresh coffee grounds in a filter. 

If you haven’t tried brewing pour over coffee, the result is a clean and flavorful cup of coffee that highlights the unique characteristics of the beans. But, the coffee beans you select can significantly impact your brew.

When choosing the best coffee for pour over, there are a few things to consider. First, the quality of the beans is paramount. Look for beans that are freshly roasted and in whole bean form. The roast level and origin are also important, as well as sustainable farming practices or, if possible, organic certification.

After buying and testing more coffee from Amazon than we can recall, only a few made the cut for the best coffee for pour over brewing. 

So let’s get brewing.

Best Coffee for Pour Over

We know convenience is key these days, so as much as we would prefer you to buy our coffee (because it is definitely the best coffee for pour over), we understand that a certain online retailer has a competitive edge when it comes to instant gratification. So we scoured the Amazon listings and weeded out plenty of not-so-great picks so you don’t have to. Because nobody wants to waste time with bad coffee.

The main issue we ran into when testing coffee beans from Amazon was freshness. The freshness of the beans was inconsistent, with some arriving a week or two post-roasting, others without a roasting date at all, and still some roasted several months ago. Below are those that checked all the boxes: roasted within the last two weeks, sustainably farmed, delicious coffee.

Check. Check. Check.

Counter Culture Coffee Hologram x 2

Counter Culture Coffee Hologram is some of the best coffee for pour over because it’s somehow both fruity and chocolatey at the same time. We highly recommend these coffee beans because of their unique and complex flavor profile.

Pros

• The blend of natural and washed processed coffees creates a multidimensional flavor that’s both fruity and chocolatey.
• Counter Culture Coffee is an independently owned B Corp that works directly with farmers worldwide, selecting the highest quality coffee beans, paying above-average prices, and supporting sustainability from seed to cup.
• The coffee is certified kosher and sustainably farmed.

Cons

• The coffee is a medium-dark roast, which may not be best for those who prefer lighter roasts.
• The blend’s components may change with the seasons, meaning the flavor may vary slightly from batch to batch. We love this approach, but some may find it frustrating.

We really enjoy the nuances of this coffee. Combining natural processed coffee beans with washed coffee beans creates an interesting and complex flavor that’s truly unique. We love the blend of Latin American and African beans – truly the best of both worlds. The coffee has a subtle note of pastry and delicate fruits that surprise and delight with every sip.

Counter Culture Coffee is an independently owned B Corp rooted in relationships since 1995. They work directly with farmers worldwide, selecting the highest quality coffee, paying above-average prices, and supporting sustainability from seed to cup. This means you can trust that the coffee is sustainably sourced, transparently traded, and perfectly roasted, making it easily some of the best coffee for pour over.

Lavazza Organic Tierra! Whole Bean Coffee Blend

If you are looking for a premium Italian coffee experience, Lavazza Organic Tierra! Whole Bean Coffee Blend is worth considering.

Pros

• The blend is made from 100% premium Arabica beans that are sustainably grown in Italy and certified organic.
• The beans are versatile enough for pour over, a drip coffee maker, a French press, or a moka pot.

Cons

• The light roast may not be suitable for those who prefer a stronger taste and a full body.
• The price point is higher than some other coffee brands.

We are big fans of the Lavazza brand, especially when brewing espresso, and have enjoyed brewing Lavazza Organic Tierra! on pour over. The aroma and flavor profile is bright and floral, with notes of dried apricot. These beans are sustainably farmed and have both organic and rainforest alliance certifications.

The only potential downside for some coffee drinkers is that the light roast may not be suitable for those who prefer a bolder taste and a full body. If you’re not a fan of light roast coffee, opt for one of their darker roasts. Additionally, because this coffee is grown and roasted in Italy, the price point is higher than other coffee brands. However, we believe that the quality of the beans justifies the cost.

If you are willing to invest in a high-quality coffee and want to experience some of Italy’s best coffee for pour over, Lavazza Organic Tierra! Whole Bean Coffee Blend is worth trying.

Mt. Comfort Coffee Organic Peru Medium Roast

We recommend Mt. Comfort Coffee Organic Peru Medium Roast for a smooth, flavorful pour over coffee.

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

Cons

• 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

We recently tried Mt. Comfort Coffee Organic Peru Medium Roast coffee on pour over and found the smooth, rich flavor satisfying overall. However, while the taste was well-rounded, it was a bit muted. But this coffee will likely be a crowd-pleaser because of its easy-drinking mild chocolatey flavor profile. The 2.5 lb resealable bag is on the large side, but the resealable design works decently well and kept the coffee beans fresh for longer.

While some may find the flavor a little on the mild side, as we did, this coffee is definitely some of the best coffee for pour over that you’ll find consistently available on Amazon. It’s a great choice for those looking for an easy-going option that is among the best coffee for pour over on Amazon.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters Founder’s Blend

The Stumptown Coffee Roasters Founder’s Blend is ideal for pour over coffee lovers 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 that the coffee is sourced ethically and sustainably.
• The tasting notes of vanilla and cocoa powder make this coffee approachable and enjoyable for all palates.

Cons

• The coffee can be a bit pricey compared to other brands.
• The roast level is medium, perfect for pour over, but it may not be a favorite for those who prefer a darker roast.

Stumptown is committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing through its Direct Trade program, one reason we think it’s the best coffee for pour over.

We brewed their Founder’s Blend on pour over and enjoyed its clean and sweet taste. The coffee beans are sourced from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico, ensuring a balanced and consistent profile with plenty of chocolate-forward flavor notes.

The Founder’s Blend is versatile and can be enjoyed as an everyday drinker. The tasting notes of vanilla and cocoa powder make this coffee approachable for all palates (in other words, serve this one to your house guests).

It’s a great choice for anyone looking for the best coffee for pour over. The coffee is sourced ethically and sustainably, ensuring that your cup positively impacts the environment and community.

Cameron’s Coffee Organic Scandinavian Blend Whole Bean Coffee

If you’re looking for a straightforward, easy-drinking coffee, Cameron’s Coffee Organic Scandinavian Blend Whole Bean Coffee is a great choice.

Pros

• The coffee is smooth and never bitter, making it perfect for a pour over.
• The medium-dark roast has a mild yet balanced taste with a smooth finish.
• Cameron’s Coffee is committed to making positive changes by reducing water consumption and choosing only premium Arabica beans.

Cons

• The packaging may vary; the coffee beans may ship in a plain white bag with a black label.
• The coffee is only available in a 4-pound bag, a fantastic value, but it may be too large for some.

This medium-dark roast coffee has a rich flavor with a smooth finish, and we found it perfect for pour over coffee. The flavor profile isn’t highly nuanced, but it’s delightfully balanced and makes a solid cup of pour over coffee.

Remember that this coffee comes in a large, four-pound bag, which is a great value, but you’ll need to have proper airtight storage to keep the coffee beans fresh. The packaging may vary; the coffee beans might ship in plain white bags with black labels. However, we were more concerned with the taste than the packaging.

Overall, we recommend Cameron’s Organic Scandinavian Blend Whole Bean Coffee for anyone looking for pour over coffee that’s approachable and great for varied palates. With its commitment to positive change and premium Arabica beans, it’s hard to go wrong with this coffee.

Buying Guide

Several factors should be considered when buying the best coffee for pour over. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for pour over coffee beans:

Roast Level

The roast level determines the flavor profile of the coffee. Put simply, lighter roasts have a brighter, more acidic taste, while dark roasts have a more robust, bitter flavor. The roast level also affects the caffeine content of the coffee, albeit only slightly, with lighter roasts containing more caffeine than darker roasts.

There is no one-size-fits-all coffee for pour over. The best pour over coffee for you might be a medium-dark roast, while a light roast might be preferred for others. Experiment with various roast levels until you find some coffees you enjoy.

Origin

The origin of the coffee bean can also affect its flavor. Different regions produce coffee with distinct flavors and aromas. For example, African coffees tend to have a fruity and floral taste, which can be polarizing, while South American coffees have a nuttier and more chocolate-forward flavor.

In addition to the coffee’s origin, pay attention to how the coffee is farmed. Look for coffee that is grown organically and sustainably. Some organic coffee may lack the certification, so check with the roaster about how they source their coffee if you’re unsure.

Freshness

Fresh is always best. Freshly roasted coffee beans produce the best-tasting coffee. Look for coffee roasted in the past two weeks or so. Additionally, buy whole-bean coffee and grind it yourself before brewing to ensure maximum freshness. Pre-ground coffee will never be the best coffee for pour over, so just skip it.

Price

Price is also a factor to consider when buying coffee for pour over. High-quality coffee can be expensive, but it’s worth the investment for a better-tasting cup of coffee. However, affordable options are also available that still produce a delicious pour over coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of coffee is best for pour over?

This question is highly subjective. For the best coffee for pour over, no matter what your preferences are, we recommend using freshly roasted beans. Avoid dark roast beans like Vienna or French roast. These beans lack the nuanced flavor profile that is best experienced via pour over. Light roast to medium-dark roast coffee makes the best coffee for pour over.

Is pre-ground coffee good for pour over?

While pre-ground coffee is convenient, it is not the best coffee for pour over (or any brewing method). Pre-ground coffee loses its freshness and flavor quickly. We always suggest grinding your coffee beans before brewing to ensure the best taste.

What level of grind is best for pour over coffee?

The level of grind for pour over coffee should be medium-fine. This grind size ensures the coffee is extracted evenly, allowing for a clean and smooth taste. A finer grind size can result in over-extraction, while a coarser grind size can lead to under-extraction.

How can I make the perfect pour over coffee?

To make the perfect pour over coffee, heat your water to around 200°F. Place your pour over device on your mug or carafe and add your coffee grounds. Slowly pour the hot water over the coffee grounds in a circular motion, ensuring you saturate all the grounds. Allow the coffee to drip through the filter into your mug or carafe. Enjoy!

What is the best pour over coffee maker?

The best pour over coffee maker is subjective and depends on a number of factors as well as personal preference. Some popular options include the Hario V60, Chemex, and Kalita Wave. All are fantastic options for brewing coffee using the pour over method.

Each pour over device has a unique design and filter, resulting in a slightly different taste and brewing experience. We suggest trying out a few pour over devices to find the one that works best for you.