Espresso Troubleshooting: Fix Sour and Bitter Shots
Your espresso tastes sour, bitter, or both? 90% of problems are grind size. Learn how to diagnose and fix common espresso extraction issues.
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My shot tastes sour - what should I do first?
Grind finer. This is the answer 80% of the time. Keep grinding finer until shots slow down to 25-30 seconds and sourness transforms into sweetness.
How fine should espresso grind be?
Like powdered sugar or very fine sand. The particles should clump together slightly when pinched. If it feels like table salt, you're too coarse.
Why does my espresso taste both sour and bitter?
This usually indicates channeling, where water flows unevenly through the puck. Some areas over-extract while others under-extract. Fix your distribution before tamping.
How many shots should it take to dial in new coffee?
Usually 3-5 shots if experienced, maybe 10-15 when starting out. Each shot gives information to guide the next adjustment.
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