Grind the coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency just before brewing.
Bring the water to a bare simmer (about 200°F). Set a pour-over cone with a paper filter over a warm carafe; rinse the filter with it and discard the rinse. Add the grounds to the filter and make a small well in the center. Start a timer and pour just enough to saturate the bed (about 2–3 fluid ounces), letting it bloom for 30–45 seconds.
Continue pouring in slow, steady circles to reach the full 1.5 cups total, keeping the slurry level even; the drawdown should finish in 2.5–3.5 minutes and the coffee bed should look flat and just damp when done.
Serve immediately in small cups; sweeten with panela to taste if desired.