Why Your Coffee Might Taste Bitter (And How to Fix It)

If you're a coffee lover, you know the disappointment of taking that first sip of your morning brew only to be met with a bitter, unpleasant taste. It's a common problem, but the good news is that there are usually a few simple fixes to get your coffee tasting smooth and delicious again.

At Coffee Register, we're passionate about helping people brew the perfect cup of coffee every time. That's why we're diving into the most common reasons why your coffee might taste bitter, and what you can do about it.

Overextraction

One of the most common causes of bitterness in coffee is overextraction. This happens when the coffee grounds are in contact with the hot water for too long, causing too many of the compounds in the coffee to be dissolved.

The result is a cup of coffee that tastes overly strong, astringent, and bitter. To avoid this, make sure you're using the right coffee-to-water ratio (usually around 1-2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 oz of water) and limiting your brew time to 4-6 minutes.

Grind Size

The grind size of your coffee can also play a big role in bitterness. If the grind is too fine, it can lead to overextraction and that unpleasant bitter taste. On the other hand, if the grind is too coarse, the water won't be able to extract enough of the coffee's flavors, resulting in a weak, watery cup.

The ideal grind size can vary depending on your brewing method, but as a general rule, aim for a medium grind that's similar to the texture of granulated sugar. You may need to experiment a bit to find the perfect grind size for your taste preferences.

Water Temperature

The temperature of the water you use to brew your coffee is another important factor. If the water is too hot, it can also lead to overextraction and bitterness. The ideal water temperature for brewing coffee is between 195-205°F.

If you don't have a gooseneck kettle with temperature control, you can try letting your water come to a boil and then letting it sit for 30 seconds to a minute before pouring it over the coffee grounds.

Stale Coffee

Finally, using stale coffee beans can also result in a bitter, unpleasant taste. Coffee starts to lose its freshness and flavor within a few weeks of being roasted, so it's important to use freshly roasted beans for the best results.

At Coffee Register, we source our beans from the best independent roasters in the UK and deliver them straight to your door at the peak of freshness. This ensures that you're always getting the most flavorful, aromatic coffee possible.

By addressing these common issues, you can start brewing coffee that's smooth, rich, and free of bitterness. Happy sipping!