Then & Now #01：Pete Licata on the V60

Some stories are worth revisiting.

Our new series, HARIO Then & Now, looks back at stories, ideas and perspectives from HARIO’s past, bringing them into a new light today.

For our first story, we dive into the archives of HARIOLOGY, a special zine we published in 2021 to celebrate HARIO’s 100th anniversary.

Join us as we revisit our conversation with Melbourne's own Pete Licata, long-time coffee professional and collaborator with HARIO.

From his first encounter with the V60 to the qualities he values most in the brewer, Pete shares his perspective on a coffee icon that continues to be brewed around the world today.

Meet Pete Licata

Editor’s Note: This interview originally appeared in HARIOLOGY (2021). All experience details and timelines reflect the time of publication.

Q1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THE COFFEE INDUSTRY?

18 years. I began my first barista job in January 2003.

Q2. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST V60 ENCOUNTER?

The first V60 I had was around 2007 to 2008, when single cup brewing started becoming more popular in the US.

Q3. WHY DO YOU LOVE THE V60?

I love the clarity of flavour, and the tendency toward vibrant tasting notes. The V60 filter makes for easy usage, and HARIO has been very supportive in the specialty coffee industry.

Pete later collaborated with HARIO on the development of the W60 Dripper and V60 Drip Assist, both launched in 2021.

→ Shop V60 Drip Assist

Brew Pete’s V60 Recipe

[ WHAT YOU’LL NEED ]

• Dripper: V60 Ceramic Dripper 02
• Coffee: 18g
• Grind: medium-fine
• Water: 300mL at 94°C
• Total brew time: 3:00

*Pete originally used a light-roasted Colombia La Palma y El Tucan Natural Gesha for this recipe.

[ BREWING STEPS ]

1. Bloom | 0:00
   Pour 50mL of water and bloom for 30 seconds.
2. Main Pour | 0:30
   Pour 200mL continuously. Start with a fast, energetic pour, then slow down towards the centre.
3. Final Pour | 2:00
   Pour the final 50mL with a fast, energetic pour for 20 seconds.
4. Drawdown | 2:20
   Allow the coffee to draw down for 40 seconds.

Total brew time: 3:00 | 300mL

Then & Now

Pete first encountered the V60 around 2007 to 2008, as single cup brewing was beginning to gain more attention in the US.

What stood out to him then still feels familiar today: clarity of flavour, vibrant tasting notes and a simple approach to brewing.

Looking back at perspectives like Pete’s gives us another way to understand how the V60 became such an enduring part of coffee culture.

→ Shop V60 Drippers

Since our 2021 interview, Pete and his partner, Maria, co-founded Caffeine Control Coffee.

Their goal is simple: empower coffee lovers to manage their energy levels without sacrificing flavour.

From high-boost morning roasts to smooth low-caffeine options, they craft coffee designed around your lifestyle.

Next in HARIO Then & Now...

Another coffee professional, another perspective on the V60.

Stay tuned for the next chapter of HARIO Then & Now!