So I just got a shipment of BB Temescal for the 1st time - I have enjoyed had their roman espresso in the past, and that bean required a bizarrely low brew temp, so I ask of you folks, should I start out in the 200 degree range with the Temescal, or is this bean another low tremp brewer?? (by the way I am pulling two 1.25 oz shots in about 30 seconds)
-Thanks!

Their Roman Espresso is unique among espresso blends because it's the only one i've ever pulled that is good with a 184 temp at the portafilter. They recommend 192 degrees at the portafilter for most of their other blends, i'd start with that. At their Linden kiosk, the PID on the La Marzocco is set at 203 degrees.

They like Espresso Temescal for Mokka Pots and maybe that is where it shines because it's not my favorite from an espresso machine. The Roman and the Hayes Valley are the Blue Bottle stand-outs IMO.

Blue Bottle

Correction to my initial post - I meant to say I am pulling .75 ounce shots (ristrettoes).

Yeah Fullsac, unfortunately I'm really gonna have to agree with you - the Temescal is a let-down on my current set-up.

It does have some pleasant qualities, especially if you like a LOT of tobacco in your shot - but I feel the tobacco flavors need to be balanced with a few other flavors to offer a more interesting complexity. I played with the temp, pulling shots at 190 f, 195 f, 200 f, and 201 f - I'm approximating the sweet spot to be at about 198 f for this roast, on my machine.

I look forward to seeing how the Roman Espresso I have is tasting next!!

So, just to put closure to this thread, the optmal settings for this bean on my set-up ended up being 196 degrees F for about 1.25-1.5 oz of pull in about 30 seconds. It does taste nice, but not great - I will probably not being ording the Temescal again.