"I don't like sour coffee." We hear that often. But sour and bitter are two different flavors, and sour is not always a flaw.
What is sourness in coffee?
In coffee, sour usually means freshness: a lively, juicy flavor, like citrus or red fruit. Acidity is also one of the ten categories tasters score when evaluating specialty coffee. You often taste it in light roasts.
What is bitterness?
Bitter is a dry, heavy aftertaste. It feels very different from sour: not fresh and lively, but heavy and dry.
Where does bitterness come from?
- Brewed too long: if coffee is in contact with water for too long, it can taste bitter.
- Roasted too dark: a very dark roast can give the coffee a bitter flavor.
And what if coffee tastes sharply sour?
Sometimes sour tastes sharp instead of fresh. This can happen if coffee is under-extracted. Let it brew a little longer.
Sour and bitter side by side
| Sour | Bitter | |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Fresh and lively, like citrus or red fruit | Dry, heavy aftertaste |
| Often comes from | The bean and a light roast | Brewed too long or roasted too dark |
| What you can do | Too sharp? Brew it a little longer | Too bitter? Brew it a little less |
How to choose what suits you
- Love a fresh, fruity flavor? Choose a light roast with tasting notes like citrus or red fruit.
- Want less acidity? Choose a medium or dark roast.
- Read the tasting notes on the bag: they tell you what to expect.
Ready to taste?
- Explore our light-roasted coffee beans for a fresh flavor.
- More about roast levels: Roast level explained.
- Looking for a flavor? Read our flavor profile.
