How Water Impacts the Flavour of Your Coffee Brew

When it comes to brewing the perfect cup of coffee, many factors come into play: the quality of the beans, the grind size, the brewing method, and even the water. Yes, water! As coffee is 98% water, the quality and characteristics of the water you use can significantly affect the flavour of your brew. In this blog, we’ll explore how the pH and components of water impact your coffee and why opting for bottled water might be the best choice.

The Importance of Water in Coffee Brewing

Water is more than just a solvent that extracts flavours from coffee grounds. It interacts with the compounds in the coffee, enhancing or detracting from the final taste. The pH level, mineral content, and purity of the water all play critical roles in this process.

Understanding pH Levels

The pH level of water measures its acidity or alkalinity on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Water with a pH below 7 is considered acidic, while water with a pH above 7 is alkaline.

- Acidic Water (pH < 7): Acidic water can result in a sharper, more tangy flavour profile in your coffee. While some acidity is desirable, too much can make your coffee taste sour and unbalanced.

- Neutral Water (pH 7): Neutral pH is generally ideal for brewing coffee as it allows the true flavours of the coffee beans to shine without interference.

- Alkaline Water (pH > 7): Alkaline water can dull the acidity and result in a flat, muted flavour profile. It may also cause over-extraction, leading to bitter notes in your coffee.

Tap Water 

Tap water varies depending on the region, and its quality can be influenced by several factors:

- Hard Water: Many areas in the UK have hard water, which is high in minerals like calcium and magnesium. While these minerals are essential for flavour extraction, too much can lead to over-extraction, resulting in bitter coffee.

- Chlorine: Tap water is often treated with chlorine to kill bacteria. While this makes the water safe to drink, it can impart an undesirable taste to your coffee.

- Other Contaminants: Trace amounts of metals and other impurities in tap water can also affect the flavour of your brew.

The Case for Bottled Water

For the best coffee experience, using bottled water from the supermarket can be a smart choice. Here’s why:

- Consistency: Bottled water offers consistent quality, free from the variability seen in tap water. This consistency ensures that your coffee tastes great every time.

- Optimal Mineral Content: Many bottled waters are balanced in minerals, providing just the right amount of calcium and magnesium to enhance the flavour extraction without leading to bitterness.

- Purity: Bottled water is free from chlorine and other contaminants that can negatively impact the taste of your coffee.



The quality of water you use in your coffee brewing process is as important as the beans themselves. By understanding the impact of pH levels and mineral content, you can make more informed choices that enhance the flavours of your coffee. For the best results, consider using bottled water from the supermarket to ensure a consistent, high-quality brew every time.

 

Happy brewing!