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- Sour vs bitter
Guide
Sour vs bitter coffee: what to change
Sour and bitter are the two most useful clues in a cup. Each points to a direction for your next brew.
What to change
| Tastes | Probably | Try, in this order |
|---|---|---|
| Sour, thin, sharp | Under-extracted | Grind finer, then hotter water, then a longer brew |
| Bitter, dry, harsh | Over-extracted | Grind coarser, then cooler water, then a shorter brew |
| Weak but not sour | Too little coffee | Use more coffee for the same water |
| Strong and heavy | Too much coffee | Use less coffee for the same water |
Strength (how much coffee) and extraction (how much you got out of it) are separate. A weak cup can still be bitter, and a strong cup can still be sour.
How big a change
One or two steps on the grinder is plenty. A hand grinder moves roughly 25 to 35 µm a click; an electric grinder with numbers moves more or less. The grinder pages list the step size for each.
Related
Questions
Why does my coffee taste sour?
Usually it is under-extracted: the grind is too coarse, the water too cool or the brew too short. Grinding finer is the first fix.
Why does my coffee taste bitter?
Usually it is over-extracted: the grind is too fine, the water too hot or the brew too long. Grinding coarser is the first fix.
Can coffee be both sour and bitter?
Yes. An uneven grind or poor water flow extracts some particles too much and others too little. A better grinder, a gentler pour or a stir often helps.