The Art of the Perfect Espresso: A Guide for Coffee Lovers
I love a great cup of espresso because I believe it's coffee in its purest form—rich, intense, and deeply satisfying. A well-made espresso isn't just a drink; it's an experience. Whether you enjoy a straight espresso or prefer a velvety flat white, mastering the art of pulling the perfect shot is essential. At Derwent & Dunne, we believe that getting this right at home can transform your coffee ritual.
A truly great espresso is rich, smooth, and full-bodied, with a balanced flavour and a beautiful golden crema. Achieving this requires precision in several key areas:
Your espresso is only as good as the beans you use. Freshly roasted, high-quality, single-origin or expertly blended beans will make all the difference. Our coffee selection is carefully sourced to ensure rich, complex flavours ideal for espresso.
Espresso requires a fine, consistent grind. If your grind is too coarse, the water will flow through too quickly, resulting in a weak, under-extracted shot. Too fine, and you risk over-extraction, leading to bitterness. A high-quality burr grinder will help achieve consistency and control. If you're using a bean-to-cup machine, it will handle grinding automatically, but adjusting the grind settings can still refine your espresso.
The ideal dose is typically 18-20g of coffee for a double shot. If you’re using a manual espresso machine, tamping the coffee evenly with the right amount of pressure (around 30lbs) ensures uniform extraction. Uneven tamping can cause channelling, where water finds the path of least resistance and leads to inconsistent flavour. For those with bean-to-cup machines, tamping is done automatically, but ensuring your machine is cleaned and maintained will keep the process optimal.
Your espresso machine should brew at 90-96°C with around 9 bars of pressure. These factors influence extraction and flavour. If your machine allows, fine-tune the settings to match your beans and taste preferences.
A perfect espresso shot should take 25-30 seconds. If it runs too fast, your grind may be too coarse; too slow, and it’s likely too fine. The right extraction time balances sweetness, acidity, and bitterness for a harmonious shot.
If you love a latte, flat white, or cappuccino, a great espresso is the foundation. A well-extracted espresso blends perfectly with steamed milk, enhancing its natural sweetness and creating a balanced, creamy cup.
Use filtered water to prevent scale build-up and enhance taste.
Always pre-warm your cup to maintain temperature.
Clean your machine and grinder regularly to avoid stale coffee oils affecting flavour.
Experiment! Try different roast levels and single-origin beans to find your perfect match.
If using a bean-to-cup machine, adjust grind size and temperature settings for the best results.
Whether you’re refining your home barista skills or just starting your espresso journey, we have the right coffee beans and accessories to help you make the perfect cup. Explore our collection at www.derwentanddunne.co.uk and start crafting exceptional espresso today.
Got any espresso questions? Share them in the comments or tag us in your espresso shots on Instagram! ☕ #DerwentAndDunne #PerfectEspresso
