Still Bitter

I tried a few different things today. First, I used a slightly coarser grind. I had the grinder at the limit, so I thought perhaps I should back off some and give myself some flexibility in either direction rather than starting at the extreme end. Then, I found a measuring cup that matched the portafilter fairly well, and let me tamp the coffee. The edges still were likely not evenly weighted, but after I pulled the shot and inspected it it looked like the water went through evenly. I had left the portafilter on the machine while it heated, so I had a nice, warm basket. Then I both timed the shot, and paid more attention to the color of the espresso rather than a set number of ounces. Since I don't really know if I'm grinding or tamping well, I figure I have to pay more attention to the quality of the espresso coming out as opposed to the volume and a set 1 oz shot.

Well, it took about 28 seconds today for the shot to go from dark mahogany to honey. I pulled up before it was whitish, and had a nice crema on top. I was hopeful, but I also knew that I was way over the ideal 17-23 second range. Although it did take a solid 5 seconds before water came through the portafilter.

Bitter again. So much so that I had to steam some soy milk and make a latte in order to drink it. I'm almost embarrassed to admit that the beans I'm using were the Whole Foods espresso roast. I bought them when I was on the way home from North Carolina and had been using my moka pot for coffee, so they were sufficient, and it's what I had on hand. But how I do expect to pull a flavorful shot with beans that probably have as much oil left in them as the 1978 Volvo 242 I used to drive around to the races in college?

To make matters worse, I had an amazing double at the Atomic Cafe in Marblehead before the race on Sunday. It was 15 minutes before the start and I didn't have time to savor it, which broke my heart. But the memory of that shot is fresh in my mind, and it's clear I am NOT getting that kind of flavor going here.

I like this new game. Every day you get another shot at perfection.