Koffee Kult coffee should not be bitter when brewed. We use the best specialty-grade beans from around the world to avoid this. If you feel your coffee is bitter, it will be due to improper brewing. Here are some ways to fix your coffee bitterness.

What Causes Bitter Coffee?

Bitter coffee is usually caused by over-extraction - when too many compounds are pulled from the coffee grounds during brewing. This happens when:

❌ Grind is too fine - Over-extracts the coffee
❌ Brew time is too long - Too much contact with water
❌ Water is too hot - Extracts harsh, bitter compounds
❌ Too much coffee - Overly concentrated brew
❌ Old or stale coffee - Degraded oils taste bitter

The good news? All of these are easy to fix!

Quick Fixes for Bitter Coffee

1. ⚙️ Grind Size - Most Common Issue

Problem: Grinding coffee too small will over-extract the coffee

The Fix:

• Use a coarser grind for your brewing method
• Think of grind size like this:
  • Too fine = bitter, over-extracted
  • Too coarse = sour, under-extracted
  • Just right = balanced, delicious

Grind size guide by brewing method:

• Espresso: Fine (like table salt)
• Pour-over/Drip: Medium (like sand)
• French Press: Coarse (like breadcrumbs)
• Cold Brew: Extra coarse (like peppercorns)

Pro tip: Adjust one notch coarser at a time and taste the difference!

2. ⏱️ Brew Time - Don't Over-Extract

Problem: Long extraction - water contact time dictates a lot of your coffee's taste. If your brew takes too long it will be bitter.

The Fix:

Adjust brew time for your method:

Signs of over-extraction:

• ❌ Harsh, dry aftertaste
• ❌ Lingering bitterness
• ❌ Astringent mouthfeel
• ❌ Dark, muddy appearance

3. ?️ Water Temperature - Keep It in Range

Problem: Water temp - the optimum water temperature is between 200 - 205°F degrees. Too hot will make coffee bitter.

The Fix:

Perfect temperature range: 195-205°F (90-96°C)

Temperature guide:

• 195-198°F - Lighter roasts, pour-over
• 198-202°F - Medium roasts, most methods
• 202-205°F - Dark roasts, espresso
• Over 205°F - Too hot! Will extract bitterness

Don't have a thermometer?

1. Bring water to a full boil
2. Remove from heat
3. Wait 30-45 seconds
4. Water is now approximately 200°F - perfect!

Pro tip: If your drip machine makes bitter coffee, try descaling it - mineral buildup can cause water to run too hot.

Additional Causes of Bitter Coffee

4. ☕ Coffee-to-Water Ratio

Problem: Using too much coffee creates an overly concentrated, bitter brew.

The Fix:

Standard ratio: 1:16 (1 gram coffee to 16 grams water)

Common measurements:

• Strong: 2 tablespoons per 6 oz water
• Balanced: 1.5 tablespoons per 6 oz water
• Mild: 1 tablespoon per 6 oz water

If too bitter: Use less coffee or more water

5. ? Water Quality

*Do not forget coffee is 99% water, make sure to use filtered water.

Problem: Tap water with chlorine, minerals, or impurities can make coffee taste bitter or off.

The Fix:

• ✅ Use filtered water - removes chlorine and impurities
• ✅ Spring water - good mineral balance
• ❌ Avoid distilled water - too pure, makes flat coffee
• ❌ Avoid hard water - too many minerals

Signs your water is the problem:

• Coffee tastes metallic or chemical
• Bitter even with perfect brewing
• Inconsistent results

6. ☕ Coffee Freshness

Problem: Old, stale coffee develops bitter, rancid flavors as oils degrade.

The Fix:

• ✅ Check roast date - use within 2-4 weeks of roasting
• ✅ Store properly - airtight container, cool and dark
• ✅ Buy fresh - Koffee Kult roasts to order!
• ❌ Don't buy pre-ground - degrades much faster

Signs of stale coffee:

• Weak aroma
• Flat, cardboard-like taste
• Excessive bitterness
• No crema on espresso

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

If your coffee is bitter, try these fixes in order:

Step 1: Check Your Grind ⚙️

Action: Grind coarser (one notch at a time)
Expected result: Less bitter, more balanced
If still bitter: Move to Step 2

Step 2: Lower Water Temperature ?️

Action: Reduce temp by 3-5 degrees
Expected result: Smoother, less harsh
If still bitter: Move to Step 3

Step 3: Reduce Brew Time ⏱️

Action: Pour faster, press earlier, or adjust method
Expected result: Cleaner, brighter taste
If still bitter: Move to Step 4

Step 4: Use Less Coffee ☕

Action: Reduce coffee dose by 10%
Expected result: Less concentrated, more balanced
If still bitter: Move to Step 5

Step 5: Check Water Quality ?

Action: Switch to filtered or bottled water
Expected result: Cleaner taste, no off-flavors
If still bitter: Move to Step 6

Step 6: Check Coffee Freshness ?

Action: Verify roast date, check storage
Expected result: If coffee is old, buy fresh!