PT's Clever Dripper Brew Guide
The Clever Dripper is one of the easiest brew methods out there, offering the benefits of pour over and French press brewing without the drawbacks of either. This is achieved through the Clever's conical build (similar to a pour over) and by retaining the water and coffee grounds within the brew chamber (in the style of a French press) until the draining valve is activated. This allows you to have full immersion and still utilize a filter to catch any sediment. The Clever Coffee Dripper is ideal for those who enjoy full-bodied coffees that maintain a high level of flavor clarity.
The guide below provides a foundation from which to start, though we encourage experimentation as you develop your personal preferences.
Things you’ll need:- Clever Dripper
- A decanter or range server that fits underneath the brewer
- Burr grinder
- Digital scale that measures in grams
- Whole bean specialty coffee
- #4 Filters
- Brew time: 4 minutes
- Coffee: 25g
- Water: 450g
- Coffee to water ratio: 1:18
- Grind: medium-coarse
- Ideal water temperature: 195 – 200 degrees Fahrenheit
Place filter in the brewer and rinse with hot water.
Step 2Drain rinse water by placing the brewer on top of the decanter. Be sure to dump your rinse water from the decanter as well.
Step 3Weigh out 25g of whole bean coffee. Grind medium-coarse and pour into filter.
Step 4Place everything on your scale and tare it to zero.
Step 5Start timer and pour 50g of water over the coffee, making sure to saturate all the grounds thoroughly. Allow the coffee to bloom for 30 seconds.
Step 6Begin pouring water and stop when you’ve reached 450g of water. Technique is not as important here as it would be with a pour over, just be sure to fully saturate the grounds.
Step 7Let sit until the timer has reached 2 minutes.
Step 8Gently lift the brewer and place it on top of the decanter. This will allow the coffee to begin draining. It should be done draining around 3.5 - 4 minutes.
Step 9Give the decanter a swirl to aerate the coffee, pour yourself a cup, and enjoy!
Flying Monkey
Medium Roast
Goal: Smooth milk chocolate, graham cracker, and honey with a pleasant touch of acidity. This espresso is best for long milk drinks.
Dose: 20 grams
Yield: 38-42 grams
Time: 28-33 seconds
Drop: 7-8 seconds (bottomless filter)
Rest: 7-12 days off roast
Flying Monkey is best dialed in with short milk—we recommend a capp. Dialing in by tasting it as a shot will overplay the acidity that is desirable in milk drinks.
Southpaw
Light-Medium Roast
Goal: Jabs of fruit, sugar, and spice with a floral aroma and clean finish. Featuring notes of caramel, peach, and sugar cane, Southpaw delivers a delightful punch.
Dose: 20 grams
Yield: 32-36 grams
Time: 26-30 seconds
Drop: 6-8 seconds (bottomless filter)
Rest: 8-12 days off roast
Southpaw is best dialed in as a straight, slightly ristretto shot. Drink it as a shot or in a short milk beverage.