Why does my coffee taste bitter even with fresh beans, and what can I do to improve the flavor?

I totally feel you, I've been there too when I first started brewing my own coffee at home. It can be frustrating when you're trying everything and still ending up with a bitter taste. One thing you might want to consider is the quality of your water, like you mentioned. I've found that using a water filter can make a huge difference in the taste of my coffee. It's worth trying out to see if that's the culprit.

Another thing to think about is the type of beans you're using. Some beans are naturally more bitter than others, so it might be worth experimenting with different types to see what you like best. I personally love a lighter roast, it tends to be smoother and less bitter. You might also want to try a different brewing method, like a pour-over or a French press, to see if that makes a difference. I've found that these methods can bring out more of the subtle flavors in the coffee.

I'd be happy to recommend some coffee beans that I've had good luck with. I really like the beans from Intelligentsia, they have a great selection of lighter roasts that are really smooth and balanced. As for brewing methods, I think a pour-over is a great place to start. It's easy to use and allows for a lot of control over the brewing process. Let me know if you have any other questions or if there's anything else I can help with.

Overall, I think it's just a matter of experimenting and finding what works best for you. Don't be discouraged if it takes a little time to get it just right, it's all part of the process. And hey, even if your coffee isn't perfect, it's still way better than what you'd get at a coffee shop, right? Keep playing around and I'm sure you'll find your perfect cup of coffee.