Decaf bitterness after a couple days
- Gatewood
I have found that my decaf (ordered online, and I get it the day after the roast), while fantastic the first couple of days, will give me a bitter espresso after that. I don't think it's the beans, as I've tried two different decafs. My other coffee, which I roast myself, doesn't do this. I figured it was me, but used the nekkid portafilter on it yesterday, and the pull was absolutely picture book. Downright beautiful! But it was bitter. Not a sink shot, but bitter nevertheless. I haven't roasted my own decaf, as I understand it is harder to do, but can somebody tell me, does decaf get bitter after just a few days? I can't figure this out. If I was getting bitter shots on the regular coffee, I'd know I was doing something wrong, but the other coffee is fantastic. Help?
Gatewood
LMWDP #58
LMWDP #58
- another_jim
- Team HB
Decafs stale faster and have less acidity. Both will make the taste balance out on the bitter side. The best fix is to brew it cooler. Decafs are not a good match with lever machines, which tend to run hot. If you are using a lever, your best shot is to use a light roasted, fairly acidic coffee that's been decaffed -- a straight Kenya, Colombia, Guat, or Ethioian coffee are ideal, while low acid ones like Brazils or Indos should be avoided.
- Gatewood (original poster)
Thanks! I'll keep that in mind, and am much relieved. Yep, my machine runs hot. It's a EPG-8.
Gatewood
LMWDP #58
LMWDP #58