May 19, 2025

How to Choose Coffee Beans for Pour Over Brewing

If you’re stepping into the world of pour-over coffee, one of the most exciting—and often confusing—parts is choosing the right beans. With so many options, how do you know where to start?

In this post, we’ll break down how to choose Arabica coffee beans based on processing method and roast level, and explain how each combination can influence the flavor in your cup. And no matter what bean you end up loving, using the right grinder makes all the difference. That’s where our O6 Manual Grinder and our top-tier O20 Grinder come in—but more on that later.

First Things First: Processing Methods & Roast Levels

There are three major types of coffee processing methods you’ll see on pour-over bean labels:

Washed (Wet-Processed)
Natural (Sun-Dried)
Honey (Semi-Washed)

Each reacts differently depending on the roast level—light, medium, or dark. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Washed (Wet-Processed): Clean and Clear

Overall Character: Bright, crisp, and clean cup with well-defined acidity.

Light Roast: Sharp acidity, floral and fruity aromas. These can be very aromatic but may lack sweetness or body.
Medium Roast: More balanced; acidity softens, sweetness becomes more prominent, and the body rounds out.
Dark Roast: Acidity fades. If there’s still floral or fruity flavor, the bean quality is exceptional (and usually expensive). You’ll mostly get sweetness, mild bitterness, chocolate notes, and a smooth body.

2. Natural (Sun-Dried): Sweet and Fragrant

Overall Character: Sweet and fruity, often with fermented or wine-like notes.

Light Roast: Bright acidity with more approachable fruitiness than washed. Think berries or tropical fruit.
Medium Roast: Acidity tones down, sweetness becomes dominant. Hints of fermented fruit or even milky notes may appear.
Dark Roast: Rich sweetness, with deeper flavors like chocolate or peanut butter. Acidity is low, bitterness increases.

3. Honey (Semi-Washed): Balanced and Unique

Overall Character: Somewhere between washed and natural—balanced acidity and sweetness, with interesting complexity.

Light Roast: Tangy but layered. Think dried fruits, mild nuttiness, and light sweetness.
Medium Roast: Acidity softens, fermentation flavors shine through, sweetness becomes clearer.
Dark Roast: This is where honey processing can truly shine—rich, balanced, and sweet with a controlled bitterness that enhances the cup.

Choose Based on Your Preferences

Here’s a quick guide based on what you like:

If you enjoy sweetness: Go for natural processed beans, especially medium or dark roasts.
If you like a crisp, fruity cup: Try washed beans at a light or medium roast.
If you’re into something different and layered: Honey processed beans offer a rich, nuanced experience, especially when medium to dark roasted.

Remember: flavor descriptions (like “berries” or “chocolate”) come from cupping at a specific roast level. Once roasted differently or brewed in your kitchen, those notes will change—sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. That’s part of the fun.

The Right Grind Makes the Difference

No matter how great your beans are, they won’t shine unless you get the grind right.

If you're just starting out, the O6 Manual Grinder is a reliable, no-fuss choice. It's simple and consistent—perfect for beginners looking to explore different beans and brew methods.
If you want more control and precision, step up to the O20 Manual Coffee Grinder. It’s equipped with titanium-coated stainless steel burrs and 20 adjustable grind settings, allowing you to fine-tune your grind for any roast, any bean, any method. Whether you're dialing in a light roast washed Ethiopian or a dark honey-processed Colombian, the O20 delivers uniform particles and balanced extraction—every time.

A heads up.

There’s no one-size-fits-all bean. Choosing coffee is personal—and the more you explore, the more you’ll understand what makes your perfect cup. Just make sure your gear can keep up.

Start simple with the O6. Level up with the O20. Let your taste guide the rest.

Happy brewing.