The Clever Dripper: How I brewed 100 Coffees
Out and about, grabbing a coffee has always been one of life’s little pleasures. Whether it's en route to the office, at the office, or stepping into one of the many cosy cafés scattered around London, I rarely say no to a good cup.
But at home, things were... less romantic.
Until February just gone, my morning beverage of choice was tea with milk. Traditional, reliable, familiar. But I’d been trying to reduce my dairy intake, and as any lifelong tea-with-milk drinker knows, going milkless is a tough ask. I tried herbal teas from brands that boasted exotic leaves and ancient wisdom. None of it stuck. Then I tried instant coffee. Oh dear. Let’s just say it was more science experiment than sensory delight.
I’ve always appreciated well-designed products, but I didn’t want to invest in a huge countertop machine for one—maybe two—coffees a day. The clutter. The maintenance. The expense. It felt like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Then, one evening, in the thick of a YouTube spiral, I stumbled across James Hoffmann’s video titled “The Ultimate Clever Dripper Technique”.
Two things hit me immediately. First: James Hoffmann’s passion for coffee. It's unmissable, magnetic even. Second: the brewing method looked ridiculously easy—simple enough to incorporate into a busy weekday morning, yet still capable of producing a genuinely excellent cup of coffee.
A few clicks later, and Amazon was gleefully preparing a package or two. My essentials:
Digital scale (Thanks to my wife’s baking ventures, I already had a scale to hand)
The Timemore C2 Fold deserves a moment of praise. With an aluminium alloy body, a stainless steel folding handle, and a satisfyingly smooth grinding action—it’s just a joy to use. I’m a fan of objects that feel mechanical and sturdy, especially when they’re destined for daily use. This one ticks every box.
As it turned out, the Clever Dripper I ordered came with 100 filter papers. I’ve used every single one of them. That’s 100 cups of coffee brewed and savoured. One paper, one cup—an oddly satisfying way to track progress.
The routine now feels second nature. About one minute to grind the beans. Two minutes to brew. Another minute to filter into a cup. Then a peaceful ten minutes or so to sit, sip, and enjoy. I can genuinely say the coffee I brew at home now rivals what I used to buy outside. Which, given London’s coffee scene, is saying something.
Of course, great gear is only half the story. Good coffee needs good beans. After a little research, I landed on Union Coffee—a well-established UK brand with a solid reputation. They offer subscriptions, have a slick website, and crucially, their beans are stocked in most major supermarkets. Convenience matters when you're two days from your next delivery.
My current go-to is the Union House Roast. Described as having “rich notes of chocolate and caramel,” it’s a comforting classic. I’ve also tried their Yayu Wild Forest, which brings a fruitier edge to the cup. Both are excellent, though I lean towards the House Roast for its balance and warmth.
Right now, it’s 6am on a quiet Sunday. Spring sunshine is pouring through the patio door, the house still and silent. To the right of my laptop sits a freshly brewed cup from my Clever Dripper. It tastes delicious. Smooth, aromatic, with just the right amount of bite to nudge me into the day.
There’s something deeply satisfying about brewing your own coffee—about turning a daily habit into a small ritual. It’s not just about caffeine. It’s about taking a moment. About slowing down before the chaos starts.
If you’re like me — want good coffee and want to start simple but achieve a sophisticated taste. Try the Clever Dripper.