Reply #24: Maybe you're mistaking a burnt taste with bitterness?

[Avalux]

Drip coffee makers, percolators - anything where the water sits in coffee grounds for an extended period of time will make any coffee taste bitter. I switched to a french press a couple of years ago and will never go back. Almost boiling water is poured over the grounds, then after 4 minutes (my preference), the grouds are separated out with a screened plunger. Perfect tasting coffee without any bitterness.

Now that I use a french press, I can drink a darker roast for the flavor. If you have a Costco near you, they roast their own beans and it's just as good as anything gourmet; not expensive and fair trade too. Try the Sumatran.