Brewing Methods
Rethinking the Espresso Shot: When Weaker Means More
Some cafés are deliberately dialing back espresso concentration. A pioneer of the style now has second thoughts, while others keep pushing extraction further.
Some cafés are deliberately dialing back espresso concentration. A pioneer of the style now has second thoughts, while others keep pushing extraction further.
As espresso technology evolves, some professionals are questioning whether tamping remains necessary—but die-hard advocates and a side-by-side test reveal a more nuanced picture.
Two Portland barista-competition hopefuls turned to the outdoors to sharpen their craft—and came back with practical setups for road trips, backpacking, and picnics.
How inconsistent water chemistry across locations shapes extraction, flavor, and equipment—and what coffee businesses can do about it.