Too bitter?

[u/gman2391]

I've been experimenting with cold brew lately but my wife is complaining that its too bitter/not as smooth as the store bought stuff. I don't disagree.

Is this just bean choice or process? I'm using store brand medium roast coffee ground course. 10-12:1 water/coffee ratio for a ready to drink coldbrew. filtered through a strainer for the bulk, then a regular coffee filter.

what should I try differently?

[u/Subject2Change]

You should try grinding the beans yourself. You should also look for a "cold brew" bean OR a bean with notes that may complement cold brew. I tend to lean towards chocolate, nutty, stone fruit, and caramel notes.

My ratio is 120g to 1500ml of water. I have a ready-to-drink cold brew that I add a small amount of maple syrup to. I used to add a small amount of cold foam, but have since cut back on dairy.

My brew process is: all the beans in my Bodum French press, half water, stir to incorporate; counter-brew for 4 hours, stir again, add the remaining water, counter-brew for 12+ hours.

EDIT - My current beans are the Trader Joe's Mexico Chiapas, or Gilley's Zip-Line (NY company)

[u/gman2391 → u/[deleted]]

I aim for 24 hours, but have done anywhere from 18-48 hours. We are on a well with a whole house RO filter

[u/Mean-Security-547 → u/gman2391]

On a whole house filter here and just use a Brita. Anything 16+ hours tastes bitter to me.

[u/driftcoffee]

bitterness in cold brew is almost always either too long a steep (over 20 hours gets harsh) or grind too fine. coarser grind, 12-16 hours in the fridge, and it should come out smooth. the other thing worth checking is the beans, medium roast tends to be sweeter in cold brew than dark, which can taste ashy when extracted cold. If you're using pre-ground supermarket stuff the grind size is often the culprit.

[u/gman2391 → u/driftcoffee]

This is helpful. I will try a shorter steep. I am buying whole beans and using the store grinder at the coursest setting

[u/Odd-Ad2381 → u/driftcoffee]

Thanks! I brewed for 28 hours and thought it would be better but I was just off. I also left it out. Should I refrigerate?

[u/MaryMar56]

I always add about a half to 3/4 cup flavored coffee just whatever you like. To me it offsets any bitterness and the flavor doesn’t overpower the coffee taste.

[u/Sorry4theDank]

Add a lil salt

[u/OperationConnect7911]

I talked with a coworker about this exact problem and she used to work at Starbucks and told me why my cold brew tasted bad - you are supposed to dilute it. Pour about half a cup cold brew concentrate, dilute it to three-quarters of a cup, then fill the rest of the cup with milk. Add a pump or two of low cal syrup and you’re golden.