Hey... just started using my bezzera, like to ask for some idea on the weight of grounds you guys use for double basket.
I was trying 14 to 15g for dutch colony's dutch blend and 16 for raven from oriole. Overall quite ok, but still seem to miss the optimal taste by abit. Still trying to fine tune the grind size and amount of coffee to use.
Is 30 grams of espresso in 30 seconds a good gauge (where the taste is not significantly bitter or sour) ?
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Congrats on your new buy!
My personal take - 14-15g dose on a 58mm stock basket works well for dark roasted coffee making a traditional italian espresso profile.
For lighter roasted 3rd wave stuff i use higher dosage and vst baskets. 20grams is my favourite.
30grams of espresso in 30secs with a 15g dose is about right. standard double espresso. 50% ratio.
You may prefer a ristretto or a lungo. so grind finer or coarser and keep the time at the same 30 secs and dose at the same 15g when adjusting. See latest barista hustle about using time. as a factor.
If you machine has preinfusion, you can try to pull longer. each second of preinfusion time counts as 1/2 a second of brew time.
Ristrettos - heavy body, more intense, tends to be more sour (although can get confused intensity with bitterness). 66% ratio
Lungos - thinner body, less intense, can be more bitter (Look for ashy notes). 33% ratio.
My personal favourite is ristretto ratios cos I prefer heavier bodied espresso, more intensity. With correct temps and slightly longer brew time I can cut on the sourness and bring out a good balance.
You can also play with temperature. This one is tricky and depends on the beans. For some light roast stuff you may need to go on a higher temp otherwise its really sour.
For dark roasted stuff low temps help to cut the roasty flavours.
This is all in general and i have encountered may exceptions depending on the coffee. dont' feel shy to ask the roaster what is his "espresso recipe" or "brew ratio". They will usually ask what kind of machine are you brewing from.