u/Suspicious-Cow1554

I like using my hario switch as an alternative to my v60 and chemex, but I feel like I am not using its switch as much as I can. I usually only close the valve in the beginning. During the blooming, I keep the valve shut for 30-45 seconds, and then open it. Once I open it, I don't close it anymore for that specific brew. Should I play with the valve more during a single brew? If so, how often should I close/open it for more interesting results?

https://preview.redd.it/er7affzx099h1.jpg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=824a59f50b7dbcbb693051dd5af5a3b33943c841

Sometimes I make a cup that is noticeably better than my usual result, but by the next day I can’t remember exactly what I changed.

For people who try to reproduce their best brews, what do you actually keep track of?

Dose and water? Grind setting? Temperature? Pour structure? Drawdown time? Or do you mostly rely on memory?

Also curious whether detailed notes genuinely help you, or whether they eventually become too much effort.