An espresso as a post-meal nightcap, a morning pick-me-up or a quick energy boost in a midday slump - sounds like heaven. But the shock is even greater when the beloved hot drink suddenly tastes completely different than expected. Preparing a good espresso requires a little practice. But don't worry, we'll look at the most common mistakes in espresso preparation, show you what causes them and give you tips on how to avoid them in the future.
The espresso has little or no crema
Is your espresso lacking the typical crema and instead you have a cloudy black brew floating in your cup? Then it could be that your espresso beans have been stored too long or too warm or that you have used pre-ground espresso. Other causes can be a too coarse grind or a dirty machine and/or cup. Did you know that low water hardness can also be the reason for a lack of crema?
To ensure a good crema in your espresso, it is best to grind your beans fresh directly before preparation. The espresso beans should also be stored in a cool, dark place. Make sure that your machine and cups are clean and free of residues and check the water hardness if necessary.
The espresso tastes sour
In addition to the ideal crema, the taste is of course decisive for perfect espresso enjoyment. If your espresso tastes unexpectedly sour, this can have various causes. The bean grind may be too coarse, the roast too light or the water temperature too low. Or maybe you simply used too little espresso powder. As you can see, there are many reasons for a sour taste in your favourite drink.
For a harmonious aroma, try a slightly darker roast, because the darker the bean, the less acid it contains. You might also refine the grind and check the water temperature with a thermometer. Ideally, the water should be at 94°C. As a final tip, we recommend using about 7g of ground beans for a perfect espresso.
The espresso tastes bitter
What is at least as bad as a sour espresso? That's right, a bitter espresso. This can be due to a roast that is too dark or a bean that is ground too finely - in other words, the exact opposite of a sour espresso. In this case, it is also important to ensure the right water temperature and the right amount of ground beans.
You might get the impression that it is terribly complicated to brew an espresso correctly. But with a little practice and experience, you're sure to find your perfect recipe for an aromatically delicious coffee. You can find really good espresso beans for home enjoyment in our online shop. If you want to be on the safe side, you can also simply visit one of our numerous Coffee-Bikes and have your espresso freshly prepared by our professional baristas. Delicious, guaranteed!
