Astringency

Astringency is a specific sensation of dryness and puckering in the mouth, very similar to the feeling you get after eating an unripe banana, drinking over-steeped black tea, or sipping a dry red wine. It is not actually a flavor, but a physical tactile reaction on your tongue and palate caused by compounds called tannins. In a well-brewed cup of specialty coffee, this sensation is almost nonexistent because it mostly occurs when the water extracts too many compounds from the grounds due to an excessively long brewing time. If you notice that all the moisture suddenly disappears from your mouth after swallowing, it is a clear sign that the brewing process went on for a bit too long. Interestingly, beginners often confuse astringency with pleasant acidity, even though astringency lacks any of the juiciness or crispness that quality acids provide.