Why does my coffee taste sour?
Sour coffee usually means under-extraction — the water moved through the grounds too fast or at too low a temperature. Fix it by grinding finer, using hotter water, or extending brew time by 10–20 seconds. A good bloom (30 seconds with 2× the coffee weight in water) also helps CO₂ escape so water can extract evenly.
Why does my coffee taste bitter and dry?
Bitter, dry coffee is a sign of over-extraction. The water pulled too many unwanted compounds from the grounds. Fix it by grinding coarser, lowering water temperature, or reducing brew time. If you use a drip machine with a hot plate, pour immediately — extended warming increases bitterness.
How do I know if my coffee is too weak or just under-extracted?
Weak coffee tastes watery and lacks body — add more grounds or use less water. Under-extracted coffee tastes sour and empty — grind finer or brew longer. They're different problems with different fixes. The easiest way to tell: if it's watery AND sour, start with strength (add more coffee) and see if the sourness is still there.
What is the golden ratio for coffee?
The Specialty Coffee Association recommends 1:18 — 55 grams of coffee per liter of water (about 10 grams per 6-oz cup). Adjust up to 1:15 for stronger, down to 1:20 for lighter coffee. The "right" ratio depends on your taste and the beans you're using.
Can bad water make coffee taste bad?
Yes. Water with too many minerals tastes metallic; distilled water tastes flat and sour. For best results, use filtered water with 75–250 ppm total dissolved solids (TDS). If your tap water tastes fine to drink, it's probably fine for coffee too.
Why does my coffee taste fine at first but gets worse as it cools?
As coffee cools, bitterness and acidity become more noticeable. It's normal — even great coffee tastes different at different temperatures. If it's undrinkable when cold, you might be slightly over-extracting. Try a coarser grind or shorter brew time.
Can I fix a bad cup after it's brewed?
Partially. If it's too strong, add a splash of hot water (this is called an Americano with espresso, but it works for any coffee). If it's too bitter, a pinch of salt can neutralize some bitterness. If it's too sour, you're mostly out of luck — drink it or brew again. It's easier to fix the next cup.
