BITTER ESPRESSO

[BUDDY]

I use a 3 group La Cimbali at our coffe shop and our espresso shots seem to be a little bitter. I have gone from checking the beans, making sure they are in an air tight container to our grind (about the equilivant of very fine sand), to the temperature of water (about 190). Also when I pull a shot of espresso I can look in the small metal pitcher and just almost see the espresso through the crema. Are my problems related? Any sugestions?

 

[petalraindream]

tweek the temp to 200, or 210 if you can manage. 190 is too low. I understand its the default, and a lot of people suggest it, but it is too low if you want premium espresso shots for consumption sans milk.

 

[BUDDY]

I APPRECIATE THE TIP. HOPEFULY THIS WILL IMPROVE MY SHOT.

 

[NW JAVA]

refer to my tag....maybe

 

[NW JAVA]

Also I agree 210 or so would be best.....

 

[pillguy]

Is this a new occurrence, or has it always been bitter? Are you getting crema all the way to the end of the shot? Are you following the golden rule?

 

[NW JAVA]

roast

Do you know how old your beans are? eg. when were they ACTUALLY roasted.

 

[Coffee Guy]

All good comments. Just wondering, have you always used the metal bells to pull your shots in? I try to encourage most to use glass shot glasses. Sometimes after long useage metal bells tend to effect the taste. You might want to try that switch :lol: and see what happens.

 

[La Crema Coffee]

Yeah,. I'd rather drink beer from a glass than a can too....