Hario Filter vs. the World Challenge

It Smells Better Than It Taste — a quiet coffee newsletter where I share what I’m learning about coffee, curiosity, and daily rituals, this channel is an extension of that space: https://www.itsmellsbetterthanittaste.com/ Been thinking about this one for a while — and it's finally happening. The V60 filter challenge is about to kick off, and this video lays out exactly how I'm planning to run it so that we can actually trust the results. The question driving all of this is simple: does the coffee filter you use with your Hario V60 actually change how your coffee tastes? Not what the internet says — what we can taste, measure, and compare ourselves. Here's what I'm doing to keep this as honest and controlled as possible: I'll be using a Hario V60 against each competing brewer, the Hario Drip Assist for consistent pours, a K Ultra Hand Grinder locked at setting 6.5, spring water at 211–212°F, and the same medium roast Nicaraguan coffee across every single test. The recipe stays constant — 10 grams of coffee, 1:15 ratio, 150 grams of water total — with bloom, timing, and pour pattern all locked in. TDS readings will support what matters most: what it actually tastes like. Key highlights from this video: The core question: does the filter matter, or can any V60 filter give you great coffee? Variables being tested: clarity, sweetness, acidity, mouthfeel, astringency, dry finish, brew time, and drawdown behavior What stays constant: grinder, grind setting, water source, temperature, recipe, and pour technique via the Hario Drip Assist The coffee: a medium roast Nicaraguan I roasted myself, rested before the challenge begins Why TDS is support only — taste is the final judge What do you think — is there a variable I'm missing that could throw the whole thing off? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let me know if you want me to test any specific filters along the way. Your input might actually change how I run this challenge. Timestamps: 0:00 – The filter challenge idea and why it started 0:27 – Rules of engagement: V60 vs everything else 0:57 – Tasting variables: clarity, sweetness, acidity, mouthfeel 1:34 – Equipment constants: Drip Assist, K Ultra grinder, spring water