Mastering Espresso with Spiritus Coffee and the Breville Barista Express

At Spiritus Coffee, we’re proud to be the go-to choice for freshly roasted espresso in the area. With more and more customers reaching out, particularly about the Breville Barista Express, I wanted to share some insights based on my personal experience using the machine for over ten years. (Shout out to Breville for replacing mine twice due to heavy use!) Whether you're an espresso aficionado or just getting started, here are some helpful tips for dialing in the perfect shot.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dialing in Your Breville Barista Express

1. Understanding Your Shot

When pulling espresso, focus on two key things: the amount of espresso extracted and how long the extraction takes. A good shot should land in the "espresso range" on the machine’s pressure gauge (about the 12 o’clock mark). Here’s how to get that dialed in:

2. Tools You’ll Need:

• Digital Scale – You need precise measurements, so grab a small scale like this one.
• Dosing Cup & Tamper Leveler – Up your espresso game with a dosing cup to evenly distribute grounds and a tamper leveler for consistent tamping.

3. Grind & Dose:

• Set your grind size to 8 and use the double shot grind option.
• For precision, weigh out 19 grams of beans. Grind only that amount using the double shot grind button.
• Once all the grounds are in the hopper, use the dosing cup and tamper leveler to evenly tamp the espresso into the portafilter.

4. Pull the Shot:

• Place your cup on the scale and hit the double shot button.
• Start a timer as soon as espresso begins to flow (it might take 10 seconds before the flow starts).
• Aim to get 36 grams of espresso in 20-30 seconds.

Adjustments:

If your shot takes longer than 30 seconds, make your grind coarser. If it takes less than 20 seconds, make the grind finer. If you’re consistently running too fast or too slow, adjust your dose: lower from 19g to 17g if it’s too slow, or raise to 21g if too fast.

Why Fresh Beans Matter

A crucial element to espresso (and one Breville’s troubleshooting team often recommends) is using freshly roasted beans. This is where Spiritus Coffee comes in! We roast our beans fresh every week to ensure the best flavor, aroma, and extraction. In fact, you can subscribe to have a fresh bag of beans delivered right to your door weekly, ensuring you’re always stocked with premium local espresso.

Spiritus Coffee’s Classic Espresso Blend

Our Harmony Espresso Blend is meticulously crafted from beans sourced from the finest coffee regions—perfect for your espresso machine at home. This blend strikes a balance between sweetness, body, and acidity, making it approachable for all espresso lovers.

• Brazil: Sweet, nutty, with low acidity and rich chocolate notes.
• Colombia: Balanced acidity with caramel sweetness and fruity undertones.
• Guatemala: Cocoa flavors, velvety mouthfeel, and bright acidity.

Tasting Notes:

• Flavor: Rich chocolate, sweet caramel, roasted nuts, and a hint of fruity brightness.
• Aroma: Cocoa and toasted almonds.
• Body: Smooth, full-bodied with a creamy texture.
• Finish: Lingering sweetness with a satisfying aftertaste.

Whether you’re enjoying a straight shot or crafting a latte, the Harmony Espresso Blend offers a delightful experience in every cup.

Try Our Fresh, Locally Roasted Espresso

Spiritus Coffee is your go-to source for fresh, locally roasted espresso in the Lombard area. Experience the difference that freshly roasted beans can make in your espresso routine. Sign up for our subscription service today, and you’ll never run out of the freshest espresso beans for your home brewing setup.