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Austin · 05-10-2011, 08:11 PM

My new drink is three shots of espresso.

That's it.

The place I get it from widely varies in taste odd enough. The guy that does it best says he leaves of the first second of the shot per shot and it decreases bitterness.

Anyone have any thought on this?

Spyder · 05-12-2011, 10:44 PM

My thoughts? If fresh coffee and properly maintained/dialed-in equipment is being used there shouldn't be any bitterness or harshness with espresso. Most customers I've discussed espresso with say "well it's SUPPOSED to be dark and bitter right?!?"

If over roasted/stale coffee is being used and the barista doesn't know what he/she is doing then you will more than likely get bitterness and inconsistency.

Sadly most think if you have a decent machine/grinder it all falls into place and is easy. I simply say "espresso is a beast that can never be tamed!"

bigmike787 · 05-13-2011, 02:51 PM

I equate espresso to golf. Just when you think you've mastered it, WRONG! If the same machine is being used every time, then the problem is definitely on the handle side of the portafilter. We'll assume that the coffee is fresh. Coffee distribution in the portafilter and tamp can have a definite effect on what results in your cup. If the barista is in a hurry, then they're not going to pay much attention to grounds distribution in the portafilter. It could result in puck which channels, producing a crappy shot. Bitter espresso can result from the grouphead being too hot. Even with a commercial machine, it's always a good practice to flush a bit of water through the grouphead. That initial water that comes out is very hot and usually hisses when it hits the cooler air in the room. I use a commercial machine at home and flush for about 5 seconds, do a quick wipe of the shower screen and lock in my filter. I then pull my shot. Do you know if they pre-flush the machine at all?

Austin · 05-13-2011, 07:57 PM

I'm going to have to start paying more attention to what my Baristas are doing.

Spyder · 05-14-2011, 08:18 PM

Mike it really depends on what type of machine used commercially. I own/use a NS Aurelia that has a very advanced HX system and it requires no flushing and idles along nicely.

bigmike787 · 05-16-2011, 01:49 PM

Spyder, let's agree to disagree my friend. Every machine I've ever seen/used can only benefit from a short flush. My La San Marco 85e only requires a short flush, but I prefer to flush it anyway. I've owned machines that required a LONG flush, like the Expopar Office Pulsar I used to own. That flush was rediculous, which is why I dumped the machine.

Spyder · 05-16-2011, 09:27 PM

That's usually what I do with the rest of society, disagree and always go against the grain. If we all thought the same it'd be a very boring life.

Will honestly tell you the Aurelia can sit and idle for an hour and really never needs a flush. Whether I pull a double every minute or one every hour it still hovers in the 199-200 degree range. It does not behave like any other HX machine on the market. Most basic HX designs do require flushing, just not the Aurelia.

Red River Roaster · 05-17-2011, 11:08 AM

Hey guys if this isn't the right spot to drop this question let me know. I'm looking for a super-automatic. I don't want to get into the science or always be fighting uphill battles to get a great Americano (what I like). I just want a good super-automatic that is the easy solution to my wants/needs/desires. The Gaggia Platinum series looks pretty good. I don't make lattes for myself but I'd like to be able to make one for my wife or friends. Any recommendations or experience? Big Mike, I know this is probably sissy equipment, but I don't have the drive or interest in being a barista. Just looking for an Americano with some crema. Thanks in advance.

Spyder · 05-17-2011, 11:41 AM

I'd say there's no such thing as sissy equipment, just that some works better and lasts much longer than others, as well as some being superior for a specific brew method.

Why not use the Aeropress you already have, buy a better grinder (if you can afford a super auto you can afford a much better grinder) and top it off with hot water from a kettle?

OK, just reread your post and saw mention of lattes for the wife and/or friends. Some are perfectly satisfied with super autos and some hate them. Depends on the model chosen and your expectations. I'd suggest going to YouTube and watch some of the videos WholeLatteLove or Seattle Coffee Gear posts using these machines for better insight.

bigmike787 · 05-17-2011, 02:28 PM

Hey, whatever works for YOU is the right equipment. I honestly don't know much about super autos. Go over to coffeegeek.com and you'll find more information there than you'd ever imagine.

Spyder, I did some research on your machine last night. Interesting machine indeed. That grouphead is very intersting. Any machine that can run with La Marzocco is interesting indeed. Rock on with yo' bad self my brotha! I love my La San Marco, but I love what I paid for it even more. Retail is over 4 grand, but I found it on craigslist for $700 and I paid $650. The machine looked unused honestly. It's for home use anyway. If I owned a shop, then I'd look at a machine that would fit my shop situation. As it stands now, my neighbors just think I'm an absolute coffee nut with cool coffee equipment.