What can you tell about an espresso just by looking at it? A thick layer of crema might make a shot look impressive. A certain color might seem like a sign of good extraction, while a shot with little or no crema might appear disappointing at first glance. But as we explored in the previous editions of Barista’s Notes, espresso is more than what meets the eye. The appearance of a shot can give us useful clues, but it does not tell the entire story. In the third edition of Bar

What makes a great espresso? It might be tempting to think the answer is simple. Use an expensive espresso machine, pull the same amount of espresso every time, serve it immediately, and the result should always taste the same. But espresso does not quite work that way. While an espresso machine is an important tool, great espresso depends on much more than the equipment alone. The coffee beans, grind size, dose, brew ratio, extraction, barista technique, and even the tempera

Espresso is one of the most popular ways to enjoy coffee, but how much do we really know about the drink in our cup? From the idea that espresso is a special type of coffee bean to the belief that a good espresso should always taste bitter, many common assumptions can change the way we understand coffee. The truth is that espresso is a brewing method, and its flavor depends on how the coffee is prepared and extracted. The beans, roast, grind size, dose, and extraction all pla