French press and pour-over taste completely different because they extract in different ways. French press uses immersion brewing, where coffee grounds steep fully in water, producing a heavier body, deeper oils, and strong texture.
Pour-over uses percolation, where water flows through grounds, creating cleaner clarity, brighter acidity, and more defined flavors. Filters capture oils and fine particles, sharpening the cup. Choosing between them is about mood: rich and bold or crisp and nuanced. Both methods reveal different sides of the same beans.