bitter notes
Harsh flavor elements
Bitter notes are the sharp, acrid flavor components in food, drink, or fragrance—the taste elements that bite rather than soothe.
In coffee or chocolate, bitter notes provide depth and complexity.
In wine or beer tasting, they balance sweetness: The IPA has pronounced bitter notes from the hops.
Perfumers use the term similarly for astringent undertones in a scent profile.
- acridUnpleasantly sharp-smelling
- tartSharp-flavored small pie
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- astringentTissue-contracting agent
- black coffeeUnadorned brewed beverage
dark roast · coffee · burnt caramel · dark chocolate · hops · tonic · grapefruit · quinine · aftertaste · palate cleanser · espresso · IPA · citrus peel · orange rind · unsweetened · acquired taste · tannic · pungent