Does the type of water change the taste of coffee? The best water for preparing the perfect cup

introduction:

I tried the same coffee, the same grind, the same preparation… but the taste is completely different?

The problem is often not the coffee — it's the water .

Water makes up over 90% of a cup of coffee, and a small change in it = a big difference in flavor.

Let us show you how to choose the right water for the perfect cup.

1. How does water affect the taste of coffee?

Every water contains:

  • Minerals (such as calcium and magnesium)
  • salts
  • pH
  • Other substances that affect extraction

✅ Some minerals help extract flavor.

❌ Some of them choke the taste or cause a bitter or "earthy" taste.

2. The worst types of water for making coffee:

Tap water (without filter):

- Contains chlorine or impurities

- A distinct "metallic" taste

- Directly affects the clarity of flavor.

Completely distilled water:

-It does not contain any minerals.

-The flavor comes out dull and weak.

- What helps in good extraction

3. The best types of water for coffee:

Home filtered water (RO) with mineral rebalancing

Coffee-grade water (such as Third Wave Water)

Light mineral water – selected bottles (e.g., Nestlé Pure Life, Aquafina, Vittel Light)

🎯 The best is water:

  • TDS between 75 – 150 ppm
  • Balanced in acidity
  • Clean taste with no side effects

4. Do I need to buy special water?

🧠 It is not necessary, but:

  • If you want the best tasting experience
  • Or you use Ben Ghali and want its full taste
  • Or notice a big difference between your preparations…

🎯 Here the designated water becomes "worth it"


5. Practical experiment: Same coffee × Types of water

Coffee used: Ethiopia Guji – W Roastery

  • Home filter water:
  • Clear flavors, balanced acidity, a smooth, balanced cup.
  • Tap water (without filter):
  • Dull taste, pronounced bitterness, almost no flavors
  • Fully distilled water:
  • Very mild taste, watery consistency, almost no flavors
  • Light mineral water:
  • Excellent balance, smooth sweetness, softer texture, much better experience.


✅ Conclusion:

Excellent coffee requires excellent water.

No matter how carefully you roast and grind, if there is a problem with the water… your cup will be below expectations.

Choosing the right water = a clearer flavor, a more enjoyable cup, and a truly “specialty” coffee.

👉 Order a bottle from INGO, and try it with the most suitable water to taste the difference