Dialing In Your Espresso Machine: A Third Wave Approach At Good Hustle Coffee Roasters

Dialing In Your Espresso Machine: A Third Wave Approach At Good Hustle Coffee Roasters, we celebrate third-wave coffee, which focuses on quality, sustainability, and the distinct flavours of each bean. This guide will help you dial in your espresso machine for optimal flavour extraction, allowing you to appreciate the nuances of high-quality coffee. 1. Select Exceptional Coffee Beans Source: Start with freshly roasted, specialty-grade beans from Good Hustle Coffee Roasters. Explore our blends, single-estate and micro-lot coffees, each showcasing unique flavour profiles tied to their origin. Storage: Store beans in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and moisture, to maintain freshness and aroma. 2. Adjust Grind Size Importance: Grind size is vital for flavour and texture. Espresso: Use a fine grind, similar to table salt, for optimal extraction. Testing and Evaluation: Bitter Notes: If overly bitter, adjust to a slightly coarser grind. Sour Notes: If too acidic, switch to a finer grind for better extraction. 3. Determine Coffee-to-Water Ratio Standard Ratio: Start with a 1:2 ratio (1 gram of coffee to 2 grams of water). Adjust to a 1:3 ratio for longer extractions. Adjusting the Ratio: For a stronger cup, use 1:1.5; For a balanced, sweeter profile, try 1:2.5 like we use in-store! Precision Measurement: Use a digital scale for accuracy—consistency is key. 4. Optimize Water Temperature Ideal Temperature: Maintain water temperature between 93°C and 96°C (200°F to 205°F). Temperature Impact: Higher temperatures can cause bitterness, while lower temperatures may lead to sourness. This depends on the roast profile and process of the coffee, if you can, experiment with the machine temperature at home and see what results you get! Equipment: Invest in an espresso machine with good temperature stability for consistent results. 5. Control Brewing Time (3s Preinfusion - 17g - 18-22s) (4s Preinfusion - 21g - 28-32s) Espresso: Aim for the right shot time for a balanced Espresso, We use the two recipes above in-store! Every machine with Monitoring: Shorter Time: If your shot is under the desired time, it may taste sour. Longer Time: If your shot is over the desired time it could be bitter. 6. Taste and Refine Initial Taste: Brew and note the flavour profile—identify specific notes (fruity, nutty, chocolatey). Adjustments: Refine grind size, brewing time, and coffee-to-water ratio based on your tasting notes. Keep a brewing log for future reference. 7. Ensure Consistency Record Keeping: Maintain a log of your settings and adjustments to replicate successful brews and understand flavour variations. Routine Testing: Regularly revisit settings and beans to ensure consistency, especially as coffee ages or you experiment with new origins. 8. Regular Maintenance Cleaning: Regularly clean your espresso machine and grinder to remove oils and residue that can affect flavour. Descaling: Follow manufacturer guidelines for descaling to maintain performance and water quality. By following these guidelines from Good Hustle Coffee Roasters, you can master the art of third-wave espresso extraction. Enjoy the journey of exploration and flavour in every brew!