Fix Sour Coffee

Why Is My Coffee Sour?

Sour coffee means under-extraction. You're not getting enough out of the beans.

Common Causes

1. Water Too Cold

Solution: Use 195-205°F. Too cold = sour. Most common problem.

2. Grind Too Coarse

Solution: Grind finer. Water flows through too fast.

3. Brew Time Too Short

Solution: Pour slower (pour over) or let steep longer (French press).

4. Light Roast + Cold Water

Solution: Light roasts need 200-205°F to extract properly. Use hottest safe temp.

Quick Fixes

• Use hotter water (most important)
• Grind finer
• Brew longer
• Use more coffee

Sour vs Acidic

Bright acidity (citrus, fruit) = good. Sharp sourness (lemon juice) = under-extracted. Big difference.

Keep Going

Use these next pages to compare products, solve related problems, or keep narrowing your setup.