Quick answerBitter coffee is usually over-extracted: the grind is too fine, the brew time is too long, or the water is too hot. Stale or very dark beans and a dirty brewer also add bitterness. Try a slightly coarser grind, shorter brew time and water just off the boil.
Fixes
- Grind coarser one step
- Shorten contact time
- Use 93-96°C water
- Clean your brewer
- Use freshly roasted beans
Bitter vs strong
Strong means concentrated; bitter means harsh. You can have strong coffee without harsh bitterness.
Frequently asked questions
Does salt reduce bitterness?
A tiny pinch can mute it.
Is dark roast always bitter?
No, but it has more roast bitterness.
French press bitter?
Stop at 4 minutes and pour off the grounds.
Smooth, balanced Haraaz Fair Value.

