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Nel Drip Coffee

The Step-By-Step Guide to Making Your First Nel Drip Coffee

Now it's time to get our hands busy and brew a marvelous Nel drip coffee. Here's what you must do.
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Total Time 5 minutes

Equipment

  • Nel Drip Coffee Maker: The traditional Japanese cloth-filter brewing system.
  • Cloth Filter: Specific to the Nel Drip for a unique extraction.
  • Grinder: A burr grinder for consistent grind size.
  • Scale: To accurately measure coffee and water ratios.
  • Kettle: Preferably a gooseneck kettle for precise pouring.
  • Timer: To monitor brewing time for optimal extraction.
  • Thermometer (Optional): For exact water temperature control, typically around 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C).
  • Serving Carafe or Cup: To collect and serve the brewed coffee.

Ingredients
  

  • Coffee Beans: Freshly roasted, medium to medium-coarse grind.
  • Filtered Water: Clean, fresh water for the best flavor.

Instructions
 

  • Boiling the Water: Alright, let's get this show on the road. First things first, you'll want to boil your water. You want a temperature between 195°F to 205°F. 
    If you've got a kettle with a temperature setting, it's even better. The right water temperature is crucial for optimal extraction, so don't just wing it.
  • Pre-Wetting the Cloth Filter: You've already boiled your cloth filter, right? If not, give it a quick boil to eliminate any lingering flavors. Then, place it in the wireframe of your Nel Drip Pot. 
    Now, pour some hot water through it to pre-wet the filter. This not only removes any remaining impurities but also warms up your pot. Two birds, one stone.
  • Adding Coffee Grounds: It's time for the star of the show—the coffee grounds. Place your scale under the Nel Drip Pot and add your coarsely ground coffee to the cloth filter. 
    A good starting point is about 20 grams of coffee. Zero out your scale, and you're ready for the pour.
  • The Initial Pour: The initial pour is all about saturating the coffee grounds. Start in the middle and work your way out in a spiral. 
    Aim to pour about 40 grams of water. This stage is called the "bloom," and it allows the coffee to release any trapped gases, making for a smoother brew.
  • The Main Pour: After the bloom, it's time for the main event. Continue pouring in a slow, steady spiral, starting from the center and moving outward. 
    Keep an eye on the scale; you'll want to pour until you hit around 300 grams of water. Take your time; remember, Nel Drip is a slow dance, not a quickstep.
  • The Final Pour and Steeping: Once you've reached 300 grams, let the coffee steep for about 30 seconds. 
    This is the final act, where all the flavors meld together into a harmonious brew. After the steeping, remove the cloth filter and let any remaining coffee drip into the pot.
  • Enjoying Your Coffee: And there you have it—a cup of Nel Drip coffee that's as rich and nuanced as a vintage wine. Pour yourself a cup, take that first sip, and savor the layers of flavor that unfold with each subsequent sip. You've earned it.

Video

Notes

So, how does it taste? Like a little slice of heaven, right? Welcome to the Nel Drip Club; your mornings will never be the same.