For the true coffee purist, there is simply no better brewing method than the manual pour-over. It is a deliberate, unhurried process that commands attention and yields the cleanest, most articulate cup of coffee possible. We proudly feature a rotating selection of single-origin beans for this method, but our Ethiopian Yirgacheffe remains the undisputed crown jewel of our manual brew bar. This is coffee presented in its most naked, expressive form.
The Birthplace of Coffee
Ethiopia is widely considered the birthplace of coffee, and the Yirgacheffe region in particular is world-renowned for producing beans with explosive floral and fruity characteristics. Grown at staggering elevations (often exceeding 2,000 meters), these heirloom varieties of Arabica beans are naturally processed. This means the coffee cherries are left to dry whole in the sun before the fruit is stripped away, allowing the bean to absorb massive amounts of natural fruit sugars and wild, exotic flavors.
The Precision of the Pour
When you order this item, our barista begins a 4-minute ritual. The beans are ground fresh, specifically calibrated to a medium-coarse texture. We use a Japanese Hario V60 ceramic dripper, lined with a paper filter that we pre-rinse to eliminate any papery taste. Using a specialized gooseneck kettle, we pour water heated exactly to 205°F over the grounds in slow, concentric circles. We start with the "bloom"—a 30-second pause that allows the coffee to degas and expand, releasing incredible aromatics into the air.
A Tea-Like Experience
If you are used to dark, heavy, bitter diner coffee, the Ethiopian Pour-Over will be a revelation. Because the paper filter traps the heavy coffee oils and fine sediment, the resulting brew is highly translucent with a red-amber hue. The body is incredibly light, resembling a fine black tea rather than a traditional cup of coffee. As the cup cools down, the flavors actually shift and become more pronounced, offering a dynamic tasting experience from the first hot sip to the final lukewarm drop.
Complex Flavor Profile
- Aroma: Jasmine flowers, bergamot, and sweet citrus.
- Tasting Notes: A distinct burst of wild blueberry, sweet lemon zest, and black tea.
- How to Enjoy: We respectfully decline requests to add milk or sugar to this specific item, as it will instantly mask the delicate, highly prized flavors of the bean.
