Hi all! My parents gave me their BBE a while ago and while I love having a cappuccino in the winter, I’m trying to really up my espresso game and gradually buying stuff bit by bit. I use specialty coffee, a 54mm bottomless portofilter, but I’ve been using the grinder in the machine. I’m able to get shots with somewhat interesting crema, and I’ve found a ratio I like but I am struggling getting both the strength I want, even if get the precise recipe seemingly correct. I’ve been brewing 19g for a target 38g within 30 seconds and I’ve been achieving that but the result has somewhat sour notes and isn’t as bold as I’d like it to be to be able to hold up to adding milk. Any advice?
#Struggling With Breville Barista Express
vernal wadi
rain pelican
What beans are you using?
vernal wadi
Update: I controlled for water temp. I don’t have a way to necessarily measure it but I allowed the machine to warm up for quite a long time and pulled a much nicer, darker shot, but still has mild sourness that I can’t seem to get rid of.
vernal wadi
That might help with the strength. Do you think it would help with those sour notes?
rain pelican
yep
vernal wadi
Doesn’t hurt to try. Should I keep the 30 sec brew time?
rain pelican
Try it