Taste

Why Coffee Tastes Bitter (or Sour)

Most taste problems come from extraction. Here’s how to diagnose and fix them.

Sour = Under-extracted

The water didn’t pull enough of the desirable compounds. Common causes: grind too coarse, water too cool, ratio too weak (too much water), or contact time too short.

Fixes: Grind finer, use hotter water, use a bit more coffee, or extend brew time slightly.

Bitter = Over-extracted

The water pulled too many of the harsh compounds. Common causes: grind too fine, water too hot, ratio too strong, or contact time too long.

Fixes: Grind coarser, lower temperature a little, use slightly less coffee, or shorten the brew.

Change One Thing at a Time

When troubleshooting, adjust only one variable so you know what made the difference. Grind size is usually the most powerful lever.