Coffee Bean Advice?

[eurekastar]

I've always loved the coffee in Europe.  European coffee is rich and smooth.  I eventually found out that their wonderful coffee is usually made in a French Press.  So I broke down and bought one about a month a go.  However, the coffee I normally use leaves a slightly burnt (bitter) aftertaste.  I'm sure that's from the roasting process.  Yet I've never detected that taste when I percolate the same roast. 


 


Does anyone have a suggestion regarding what coffee bean might work best for a French Press?  I coarse grind whole beans using a burr mill.  But I need help selecting the right bean. 


 


Or I may just be brewing the coffee wrong.  I'm following the directions provided with the press, but suggestions there would be appreciated too.  Thanks for any advice and help!  

 

[suckolux]

The bitter can be amount of beans used or length of time you are brewing it, temp is just off from boil, rest a minute or so then pour.

 

[eurekastar]

Thanks, David!  I'll try letting the water rest before pouring.  I did find that it doesn't take as much coffee.  I brew for 3 minutes.  Everything I've read says 2 to 4 minutes.  I'll try the water trick and keep experimenting! 

 

[suckolux]

Temp , brew time,grind all play a big roll. Good luck.If you use less coffee you will get more bitter, it extracts all the flavors, not just the ones you want.I think brew temp you want around 200-205 if I recall.