Why is My Pour Over Coffee Bitter?

Understanding the Basics of Pour Over Coffee

Pour over coffee is a manual brewing process that involves pouring hot water over freshly ground coffee beans. The process is simple and the coffee created is considered to be of a higher quality than coffee brewed with a machine. When brewed correctly, it produces a flavorful and balanced cup of coffee.

Common Causes of Bitter Pour Over Coffee

There are several factors that can lead to a cup of pour over coffee tasting bitter. The most common include grinding the beans too finely, using too much coffee, using water that is too hot, and brewing for too long.

Grinding the Beans Too Finely

When grinding beans for pour over coffee, it is important to grind them to a medium-fine consistency. If the beans are ground too finely, it can lead to a bitter cup of coffee. The finer the grind, the faster the flavor is extracted from the beans. This can lead to an over-extracted taste, which is often sour and bitter.

Using Too Much Coffee

Using too much coffee can also lead to a bitter cup of pour over coffee. This is because when too much coffee is used, it can lead to an over-extracted taste. The ideal amount of coffee to use for pour over coffee is typically between 15 and 18 grams.

Using Water That is Too Hot

Using water that is too hot can also lead to a bitter cup of pour over coffee. The ideal temperature for pour over coffee is between 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit. If water that is too hot is used, it can lead to an over-extracted taste.

Brewing for Too Long

Finally, brewing for too long can also lead to a bitter cup of pour over coffee. The ideal brewing time for pour over coffee is typically between 3-4 minutes. If it is brewed for too long, it can lead to an over-extracted taste.