Espresso at Home: Where to Start
Our fictional farmers are paid fairly above the market price for every lot we buy. Start with a simple recipe, change one thing at a time, and write down what you notice.
Tasting notes are a guide, not a promise; your own palate is the final judge. A scale takes the guesswork out of brewing and pays for itself in wasted beans saved.
Rinse paper filters with hot water first to remove any papery taste. Water that tastes good on its own usually makes good coffee, so start with filtered if you can.
A quiet five minutes with a good cup is still one of life's simple pleasures. Grind just before you brew; ground coffee loses aroma within minutes of being opened.
Related guide: Storing Coffee Beans. Beans we mention: Nightjar Espresso, 250g whole bean and gear: French Press 600ml.
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See also: our grind chart