Espresso at Home

Grind just before you brew; ground coffee loses aroma within minutes of being opened. We roast in small batches so every bag leaves the roastery within days of roasting.

If a cup tastes sour, try a finer grind or hotter water; if it tastes bitter, go coarser. Freshness is the single biggest difference you can taste between average and excellent coffee.

Store beans in an airtight container away from light, heat and the stove. Start with a simple recipe, change one thing at a time, and write down what you notice.

Medium roasts are a good all-rounder when you are not sure where to begin. A scale takes the guesswork out of brewing and pays for itself in wasted beans saved.

Next guide: Water and Coffee. Useful kit: Cleaning Brush Set.