introduction:
I bought a specialty coffee and weighed it correctly, but the cup always comes out bitter?
The problem may not be with the coffee…
But in small details the outcome changes completely.
Let's review some unexpected causes of bitterness in your coffee, with practical solutions for each one.
1. Grinding too fine
📌 Too fine a grind = Over extraction = Bitter taste
🧠 Even a slight difference in the grind completely changes the flavor.
✅ Solution: Try grinding a notch or two coarser and see the difference.
2. Long extraction with increase
⏱️ The long pouring time allows the bitter components to emerge from the coffee.
🎯 Just as overcooking burns, overpreparing "burns the taste."
✅ Solution: Watch the time. For example, V60: 2:30 - 3:30 minutes is sufficient.
3. The water temperature is too high.
🔥 Directly boiling water (100°) burns the coffee.
👎 The result? Bitterness and burning in the taste.
✅ Solution: Use water at 92–94°C or let boiling water stand for 30 seconds.
4. What type of filter or preparation tool suits you?
📌 Some cheap filters add a bitter taste.
📌 Some tools highlight bitterness more than others (such as the Moka Pot)
✅ Solution: Try changing the tool or using high-quality original filters.
5. The coffee itself is over-roasted.
🟤 Dark roast = concentrated, bitter flavor
📌 Even if it is a specialty coffee, roasting plays a big role in the result.
✅ Solution: Try medium or light roasted coffee, especially from fruit or flower crops.
✅ Conclusion:
Bitterness doesn't always mean "bad coffee"...
But it is the result of a small detail in preparation or selection.
Review your preparation method, try simple changes... you will notice the difference immediately.