Picture this: It's 2005 and a Japanese glassware-making company called Hario has just introduced a brewer that will revolutionise the coffee scene.Â
Hario: King of Glass
Hario has a history dating back to 1921 when it was founded under the name Hiromu Shibata Works in Tokyo. Back then, their main operation was the manufacturing and sales of laboratory-grade glassware. Over the years, the company continued to research and improve the durability of glass, focusing on crafting heat-resistant glassware.Â
Since the beginning, Hario has taken pride in producing glassware of the highest quality. The name Hario directly translates to King Of Glass.Â
The Iconic V60 Brewer
Hario had their first breakthrough in 1949 when they succeeded in making their trademark “Hario Glass”. Coincidentally, in the 1950s, there was a steep rise in the demand for home coffee brewing equipment, and it is noted that the company started developing a V60 prototype then but it was not yet commercially distributed.
Fast forward to 2004, the development of the Hario V60 was finally kickstarted again. Until this time, pour over drippers in the market typically had straight diagonal ribs on their inner walls, causing filter paper to stick, thus inhibiting the degassing process during the initial bloom stage.Â
Hario went against the grain, wanting to design a dripper “that could create variations of flavour for those who brew coffee”.Â
Thus, they crafted a dripper wall with ridges and a conical shape that spiralled downward into a large drainage hole. This revolutionary design allowed water to flow smoothly, air to escape, and result in the overall extraction process becoming more efficient. This also allowed the person doing the pour-over to have more control over the process and alter their speed of pour based on preference.Â
This device was named “V60'' after its iconic v-shape and 60-degree angle at which the edges were slanted. The Hario V60 was released commercially in 2005.
It is currently used in more than 75 different countries and regions across the world. Hario’s V60 has also been released in different sizes and materials like plastic, ceramic and metal. Notably, in 2010, World Barista Champion Michael Phillips used Hario V60 to clinch his championship title.Â
What Sets Hario V60 Apart
Firstly, Hario V60’s design allows users to have maximum control over their pour over. With this dripper, you can experiment and adjust to your heart’s content to produce your desired cup of coffee.Â
For example, you can play around different coffee varieties (blends, single origins and roast types). The V60 is so adept at capturing the individuality of each coffee; such that the same coffee can create very different cups depending on how much time has passed since it came out of the roaster.Â
You can also experiment with your coffee to water ratio. The ratio we recommend for pour over is 1:15. However, you can vary this to your preference and find out a ratio that creates the best results for you.Â
Secondly, Hario V60 is the brewing method of choice for specialty coffee. One of the key focuses of third-wave coffee culture is the appreciation of the individuality of each coffee. Hario V60 is perfectly suited for this because, as mentioned above, even the subtlest characteristics of a coffee can shine through and be captured by this dripper.Â
This is especially crucial for specialty coffee roasters because they want to taste the subtle differences in flavour and aroma between each batch of coffee.Â
Thirdly, the Hario V60 is relatively easy to use and maintain. Granted, mastering coffee brewing using the V60 is no mean feat, but getting started is rather straight-forward. As long as one has the tenacity to practise and learn, other factors like cost and maintenance are no issue. The Hario V60 retails at an affordable price and is easy to clean and store.Â
Our Thoughts
So, what's not to love? The Hario V60 has re-energised pour over coffee and really, it's more than just a coffee dripper - it's a brewing companion that elevates your coffee experience to new heights.Â
If you're interested, we stock Hario V60 dripper and V60 filters both online and in stores. We also have a range of specialty Colombian coffee beans very suited for the V60.Â
Â
 Â
Our Geshas are always a good shout, and we have two - Liliana’s Gesha and Martha’s Gesha.Â
Our February bean of the month, La Aldea, also makes for a delightful pour over with notes of sweet stone fruit, Assam tea and dark chocolate.Â
Lastly, another lovely coffee to consider would be La Estrellita. Not only is it perfect for pour over, it’s also a must try for anyone wanting to explore Colombian specialty coffee. With incredible notes of strawberry gelato and passion fruit, you can't say you've tasted a coffee like this before!Â