Why Your Coffee Tastes Sour (And How to Fix It)

There is nothing worse than anticipating a rich, warm cup of coffee, only to be met with a sharp, sour shock. No, your beans haven't necessarily gone bad—you’re likely tasting under-extraction.

What is Under-Extraction?

Coffee beans contain acids, sugars, and oils. The acids extract first, followed by sugars, and then bitter compounds. If you stop the process too early, you get all the acid and none of the sweetness.

The 3 Main Culprits

1. Grind Size is Too Coarse: Water flows through too fast. Fix: Grind finer.
2. Water is Too Cold: It can't dissolve the solids efficiently. Fix: Use water just off the boil (around 200°F-205°F).
3. Brew Time Too Short: You didn't give it enough time. Fix: Steep longer or pour slower.