Sometimes your coffee at home tastes wrong. Don't panic. Most coffee problems come down to a few usual suspects. The trick isn't changing everything at once. It's making one small adjustment, tasting the result, and going from there.
If It Tastes Sour
Your coffee is probably under-extracted. In other words, the water hasn't spent enough time with the coffee. Try making your grind a little finer and see what changes.
If It Tastes Bitter
Your coffee may be over-extracted. The water is spending too long moving through the coffee, resulting in a bitter, dry cup. Try making your grind a little coarser.
If It Tastes Weak
Before you blame the beans, check your recipe. For most Coffee Supreme espresso blends, a good starting point on a home espresso machine is 18g of coffee in and 36g of espresso out. Small inconsistencies can make a surprisingly big difference to the final cup.
If It Tastes Dull
Freshness might be the problem. Coffee fades over time, which is why whole beans generally stay fresher for longer than pre-ground coffee. If you've got an old bag hiding in the cupboard, it might be time to open a new one.
If Your Milk Looks Like A Bubble Bath
You've probably introduced too much air, not enough swirling, or overheated the milk. We're aiming for glossy paint, not a bubble bath.
One Change At A Time
If every coffee tastes different, consistency is usually the issue. Use the same dose, use the same cup, and follow the same recipe. Make one change at a time so you know what's actually making a difference.
Good coffee at home isn't about removing every variable. That's impossible. Coffee changes. Grinders change. Milk changes. People change. A good machine and good coffee certainly help, but a little patience and a few small adjustments will usually get you where you want to be.
