Ever try a cold brew setup for your slow method? I switched to it last summer and won't go back. Let it steep in the fridge for a full day, not just a few hours. The result is super smooth and never bitter. It turns your morning cup into something you really look forward to.
Totally get what you mean about the full day steep, @adam_lane81. I started doing that with a big mason jar and a fine mesh sieve. The coffee grounds sink to the bottom after like 12 hours, so you just lift the sieve out and you're done. It’s way less messy than cheesecloth. That overnight wait makes the biggest difference for cutting the bitter taste.