Mastering The Bolivia Coffee Dripper: A Step-By-Step Guide

Coffee is a beloved beverage for many, with a variety of brewing methods to choose from. One such method is the Clever Dripper, a Japanese-manufactured cone brewer that combines the principles of immersion brewing and extraction via pouring water over the grounds. While it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option, it is a fantastic, affordable, and lightweight gadget for brewing coffee at home. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious cup of Bolivian coffee using the Clever Dripper, highlighting the unique characteristics of Bolivian coffee beans and sharing some interesting facts about Bolivia's coffee industry. So, get your coffee beans ready, and let's dive into the world of Bolivian coffee dripper magic!

Fold and position the paper filter in the dripper

To make a Bolivia coffee drip, you'll need a drip coffee machine, coffee beans, and a coffee filter. Here's a detailed guide on how to fold and position the paper filter in the dripper:

• Start with a clean, flat surface and take a coffee filter paper. It is important to ensure the filter paper is free of any dirt or residue.
• Fold the filter paper precisely into quarters, creating four equal sections. This can be done by first folding the paper in half and then folding it again, forming a 90-degree angle at the centre.
• Now, you can create a funnel shape. Place the stacked filter paper with three layers on one side and open the remaining layer on the other side. This will form a funnel with a 60-degree angle, which is common for conical filter funnels.
• Ensure the funnel shape is secure and well-fitted into the dripper. The filter paper should sit below the side of the funnel.
• You can also tear off a small part of the outer fold to create a better seal. Tearing is preferred over cutting to create a staggered edge for the two layers of paper.
• Once the filter paper is securely in place, it is ready to receive the ground coffee beans and water to begin the brewing process.

By following these steps, you will effectively fold and position the paper filter in the dripper, setting the stage for a perfect cup of Bolivia coffee drip.

Rinse the filter with hot water

Rinsing the filter with hot water is an important step in the coffee-making process. This is especially true when using a Bolivia coffee dripper, as it helps to ensure that your brew is free of any unwanted flavours or impurities that may be present in the filter.

To rinse the filter effectively, start by boiling some water. The ideal temperature for brewing coffee is between 195-205°F (91-96°C), so make sure your water reaches this temperature range. Once your water is hot enough, carefully remove it from the heat source and pour it slowly over the filter. Be sure to wet the entire surface of the filter, including the sides and bottom, to ensure that any residual flavours or impurities are removed.

It is important to use hot water for this step, as it will help to open up the pores of the filter and allow water to pass through more easily when brewing. Using cold or room-temperature water may cause the filter to become more porous, which can result in a longer brewing time and a weaker cup of coffee.

Additionally, rinsing the filter with hot water can help to preheat your dripper, which is essential for maintaining the optimal water temperature during brewing. By preheating your dripper, you can ensure that your water remains within the ideal temperature range, extracting the full flavour from your coffee grounds.

After rinsing the filter, be sure to discard the hot water and place the dripper on top of your mug or carafe. Add your freshly ground Bolivian coffee to the filter, giving it a gentle shake to level the grounds. Finally, slowly pour your hot water over the grounds in a circular motion, allowing the coffee to "bloom" and release its full flavour. Enjoy your freshly brewed Bolivian coffee!

Add coffee grounds and pour in water

Now that you've prepared your Bolivia coffee dripper, it's time to add the coffee grounds and pour in the water.

For the Clever Dripper, you'll need 20g of coffee and 300g of water. Use a coarse grind size for your coffee. First, fold the paper filter, position it in the Clever Dripper, and then rinse the filter and heat up the brewer.

Add the coffee and pour in all 300g of water at once – no specific pouring technique is required. Cover the dripper with a cap and let the coffee steep for about 2 minutes. Then, give it a gentle stir with a spoon to break the crust on top. Cover the dripper again and wait for another 4 minutes.

Finally, place the Clever Dripper on a carafe and let the coffee drain through (this should take about one minute). The total brew time should be around 5 minutes.

If you're using a classic drip coffee machine, start with medium-coarse grounds. As for the ratio of beans to water, use 20 grams of coffee beans per cup of coffee and 320 grams of cold-filtered water per cup. Add the beans to the coffee filter, pour the water into the reservoir in the back, plug it in, and turn the machine on.

Stir and cover the dripper

Once you've added the coffee and poured in the water, it's time to stir and cover the dripper. Start by giving the dripper a gentle stir with a spoon to break the crust that's formed on top. Be sure to stir gently and carefully so as not to splash any of the hot liquid outside the dripper. After stirring, simply place the cover on top of the dripper. This step is important because it allows the coffee to steep and ensures that the grounds remain fully immersed in the water, maximizing the extraction of flavours.

While the dripper is covered, you can take a moment to clean up your workspace or prepare the rest of your breakfast. Just be sure to keep an eye on the time, as the coffee should steep for about 2 minutes. After the steeping time is complete, you'll move on to the next step of the process, which involves giving the coffee another gentle stir and then waiting a few more minutes before placing the dripper on your carafe or cup to let the coffee drain through.

The stirring and covering step is a crucial part of the coffee-making process with the Clever Dripper. It allows the coffee grounds to fully interact with the water, releasing their flavours and aromas. The cover helps to trap the heat, maintaining the ideal temperature for extraction. This step also gives you a bit of flexibility in your morning routine, as you can use the steeping time to multitask or simply take a moment to relax before finishing up your coffee preparation.

Remember, the exact steeping time can vary depending on your personal preferences and the specific coffee beans you're using. Feel free to experiment with different steeping times to find the sweet spot that brings out the best flavours in your Bolivian coffee. You might also want to adjust the grind size of your coffee beans to fine-tune the extraction time. A finer grind will speed up the extraction, while a coarser grind will slow it down, so you can use this to further customize your brewing process.

Place the dripper on a carafe to drain the coffee

Once you've added the coffee grounds and poured in the hot water, you'll need to place the dripper on a carafe to drain the coffee. This is the final step in the brewing process and should take about one minute.

The Clever Dripper is a Japanese-manufactured cone brewer that combines the principles of immersion brewing (like a French press) with the extraction of a pour-over. This hybrid method produces a well-balanced cup with a beautiful body and delicate flavour. It's also easy to use and affordable, making it a popular choice for coffee enthusiasts.

When placing the Clever Dripper on the carafe, be sure to use a cup or pitcher that it fits snugly on top of. You don't want any gaps between the dripper and the carafe, as this will cause the coffee to drip through too quickly. Speaking of which, make sure your carafe is large enough to accommodate the full amount of brewed coffee.

Additionally, be gentle when placing the dripper on the carafe to avoid splashing or spilling. The coffee should be allowed to drain through slowly and smoothly. If you find that the coffee is draining too quickly or slowly, you can adjust the grind size for your next brew. A finer grind will slow down the draining, while a coarser grind will speed it up.

Finally, remember to clean your Clever Dripper after each use. Rinse it with hot water and let it dry thoroughly. This will keep it in good condition and ensure your next cup of coffee is just as delicious as the last.

Frequently asked questions