I recently relocated to London and I’ve noticed that the macchiatos and cortados I’ve tried here have a rather sour taste. Could it be my palate, or is this just a London thing?
For a bit of background, I’m not a huge coffee drinker—I typically try a highly recommended coffee shop once a month. My appreciation for coffee really blossomed during a trip to Italy, where I was introduced to a shakerato by a friend, and we eventually progressed to espressos. While I began to enjoy the flavor and aroma of coffee, I found plain espressos to be too intense for my taste, which is why I gravitate towards cappuccinos, cortados, and macchiatos.
Previously, I lived in Paris, and I’d often order macchiatos (noisettes) at restaurants after meals or at coffee shops like Noir, which I always enjoyed.
Since moving to London, I’ve tried a few places, including The Steaming Pitcher and Redemption Roasters, where I’ve consistently ordered cortados and macchiatos. Unfortunately, each one has come across as sour. Is this just a characteristic of the coffee here, or has my palate shifted? I haven’t sampled many places yet, but I’m hesitant to spend more on coffee if they all taste similar. Meanwhile, my partner orders lattes and cappuccinos from the same shops, and they taste great, but they don’t provide the same aromatic experience.
It sounds like you’re on an interesting coffee journey! A few factors could be contributing to the sourness you’re experiencing in the macchiatos and cortados in London.
Coffee Beans: Different coffee shops often source their beans from different regions, which can drastically affect the flavor profile. For instance, beans from certain regions, like East Africa, can have bright, fruity notes, which may come off as sour, especially if they are roasted light.
Brewing Techniques: The brewing method, grind size, and water temperature can also influence flavor. If the coffee is under-extracted, it can taste sour. Not all coffee shops use the same techniques, so it might vary from place to place.
Your Palate: Since you’ve recently started enjoying coffee, your palate might still be adjusting. You might find certain flavors more pronounced that seasoned coffee drinkers might overlook.
Personal Preferences: Ultimately, coffee is highly subjective. Just because you’ve enjoyed certain flavors in one city doesn’t mean you’ll find the same enjoyment elsewhere.
I suggest trying a few more coffee shops and perhaps even experimenting with different types of milk or syrups in your drinks to find a balance that suits your taste. If you can, ask the baristas for recommendations based on your preference for less sour flavors. Also, consider trying drinks with different beans to see if there’s a particular flavor profile you prefer more. Happy coffee hunting!