Is My Coffee Burnt… or Am I Just Brewing It Wrong? Let’s Settle This Once and For All.

Hey coffee crew,

Let me guess, you brewed a fresh cup this morning, took a sip, and thought, “Ugh, why does this taste like ash?”
Maybe you blamed the beans. Maybe you blamed yourself. Heck, maybe you just dumped it and started over.

We’ve all been there.

So today, let’s talk about one of the most common questions I get behind the counter:
“Why does my coffee taste burnt?”
Is it you? Is it the roaster? And is “burnt coffee” even a real thing?

Buckle up, because this one’s going to change how you brew forever.

First, Let’s Be Honest: Burnt Coffee Is a Thing

Yes, coffee can taste burnt.
But here’s the twist: it’s not always because the beans were literally burnt. Sometimes, it’s the roast level. Sometimes, it’s how you’re brewing. Sometimes… it’s both.

And before we dive deeper, here’s a little story from my early roasting days.

A Personal Roast Gone Wrong

A few years ago, I was experimenting with a batch of dark roast beans from Sumatra. I wanted a smoky, bold profile, something that would hold up well with milk for our latte lovers.

I pushed the roast just a little longer than usual. It came out smelling deep and rich… but when I brewed a test cup, it tasted like charred wood.
Not in a good way.

A regular named Tina came in, tried a cup, and politely said:
“Hmm… it kind of reminds me of camping… when your marshmallow accidentally falls into the fire.”

We laughed, and I knew I’d gone too far.

That was the day I learned: “bold” doesn’t have to mean burnt.

So… Is It the Beans or the Brewer?

Here’s how to tell.

1. If Every Cup Tastes Burnt, It’s Probably the Roast

Some roasters (especially in big commercial operations) take beans to a very dark roast. Think French roast or Italian roast.

These are roasted to the edge of carbonization, basically, on purpose.
Why? Because dark roasts mask inconsistencies in low-grade beans. It's easier and cheaper to roast everything until it’s smoky than to highlight nuanced flavor.

Signs it’s the roast:

• You see oily, almost black beans

• The bag says “French roast,” “Italian roast,” or “espresso blend”

• It tastes burnt even with cream and sugar

✅ Tip: If you prefer smoother, more balanced flavors, look for medium roasts or light roasts from specialty coffee roasters. These roasts let the origin of the bean shine, not hide behind smoke.

2. If Only Your Cup Tastes Burnt, It Might Be You (Gently Speaking)

I say this with love. Sometimes, the roast is fine… but your brew method is a little off.

Common mistakes that lead to a burnt taste:

• Water too hot: If you’re boiling water and pouring it straight on the grounds, it might be scalding them. Ideal temp? About 195°F–205°F.

• Using a dirty coffee maker: Old oils + heat = that bitter, burnt aftertaste. Clean your machine or French press regularly.

• Brewing too long (or too fine): Over-extraction brings out bitter, harsh notes.

✅ Tip: Try a thermometer or electric kettle with temperature control. Or let the water sit for 30 seconds after boiling before pouring.

A Coffee Ritual Gone Right

One of my favorite customer stories comes from a guy named Jordan. He used to drink instant coffee because “everything else just tasted too bitter.”

One day, I gave him a bag of medium-roast beans from a small farm in Guatemala. I showed him how to grind it fresh, use a pour-over, and let the water rest before pouring.

He came back a week later, glowing.
“I didn’t know coffee could taste like this! I actually look forward to my mornings now.”

And that, my friends, is what it’s all about.

What Can You Do?

If you’ve been struggling with burnt-tasting brews, don’t give up. Here’s your action plan:

1. Switch to a lighter roast – Try a single-origin medium roast. You’ll be amazed by the difference.

2. Check your brew temp – 200°F is your sweet spot.

3. Clean your gear – Give your machine or press a good scrub.

4. Don’t overbrew – Follow brew time guides based on your method (like 3-4 min for French press).

Final Sip: You Deserve Better Coffee

Look, you don’t need to be a barista or buy fancy gear to enjoy great coffee. You just need the right beans, a little know-how, and a willingness to tweak your routine.

Because burnt coffee? That’s not just disappointing, it’s stealing your joy.
And coffee should be a little spark of joy every day.

So next time your cup tastes off, don’t toss it and walk away. Try again. Tweak a step. Explore a new roast.

You might just discover your perfect brew waiting beneath the bitterness.

Want to see what non-burnt, perfectly balanced beans taste like?
Check out our latest medium roast collection, crafted to help your mornings feel smoother, brighter, and a whole lot more delicious.