Taste Impact Ranking (Top 100)

by **Endo** on Fri Jul 03, 2009 10:49 am

This may be controversial, but it might also be fun (and enlightening for me).

If we were to expand the 4 M's to perhaps a "top 100", what would it look like?

Rank___Impact___Variable

100____High______Bean
99_____High______Roast
98_____High______Grinder
.
60_____Med_______Dose
59_____Med_______Tamp
58_____Med_______Temperature
57_____Med_______Distribution
.
10_____Low_______PF size
9______Low_______Basket shape
8______Low_______Pump Type

by HB on Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:02 am

Rather than argue the ranking of contributors to exceptional espresso, I would rather rank what changes the barista might make to bring about improvements. 50 things to improve your espresso (revisited) is Nick's list from years ago.

HB wrote:So from Nick's list, below are my nominees for top 10 things you should look for once you've eliminated the "obvious" ones:

14. be sure your basket is dry
15. dose into the basket evenly
16. dose the proper amount of grounds
18. don't apply vertical pressure when leveling
19. make sure you have the proper amount of espresso after leveling
29. tamp evenly (parallel to the basket ring)
31. if you tap the side of the portafilter basket, don't tap with too much force
36. adjust the pump pressure to the proper pressure
37. make sure the pump pressure is consistent
40. make sure the tamped "puck" isn't jarred loose by rough handling of the portafilter.

To keep this post short, I'll omit providing my reasoning and move straight to the point: What other common (but not obvious) improvements could one make?

by **Endo** on Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:42 am

That's not really what I'm looking for. That's mostly about technique.

I would like to see a ordered ranking rather than just a list. This older list seems to be a list of "good barista habits". I'm interested in ranking all variables, and most specifically hardware variables like PF diameter, pump type, etc. You know, those endless "priincess on the pea" variables that get discussed. Where do they rank?

by HB on Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:56 am

Endo wrote:I'm interested in ranking all variables, and most specifically hardware variables like PF diameter, pump type, etc.

To what end? Would you hope to assert, for example, that basket diameter is a more important contributor to exceptional espresso than the pump type?

by **another_jim** on Fri Jul 03, 2009 12:12 pm

Most 3rd wave places and hobbyists make great shots; but when they make lousy ones, the reason, in the overwhelming majority of cases, is always the same: they are so busy perfecting some variables, that they forget others. Good shots don't come from perfecting a few variables, but from paying due attention to all of them.

If you rank variables, your shots will get worse.

by **Endo** on Fri Jul 03, 2009 12:26 pm

HB wrote:To what end? Would you hope to assert, for example, that basket diameter is a more important contributor to exceptional espresso than the pump type?

Exactly.

Isn't that pretty much mentioned at least once in 90% of the postings?

Something like "pump type is much less important then basket shape". I figure we might as well have one source to refer to when bringing up these things.

I understand not everyone likes lists, and they can be very subjective (i.e. Top 100 movie of all time, etc). But still, it's good subject for debate as well as an eye opener for the uninitiated.

If nobody is interested, then this thread will die a natural death.

by **Endo** on Fri Jul 03, 2009 12:30 pm

another_jim wrote:If you rank variables, your shots will get worse.

Probably. But I would still find it interesting to see where different people place the emphasis.

I'm sure my list is way different from a WBC champion, but it would be interesting to compare and it might provide some insight on where I can best improve things (and where to spend my money).

Heck, it beats ranking grinders endlessly. :lol:

by HB on Fri Jul 03, 2009 12:32 pm

Endo wrote:If nobody is interested, then this thread will die a natural death.

+1

by **zin1953** on Fri Jul 03, 2009 3:01 pm

I'd say "+2" but I don't want to continue the thread . . .
:twisted:

by **Endo** on Fri Jul 03, 2009 3:32 pm

OK never mind then. :cry:

I'll forget about trying to better understand what influences taste. I'll go back to posting pictures of my favorite cups and "Bubinga Wood" tampers. :lol:


Contact Us	Legal disclaimer and copyright: This content and all its parts are copyrighted, all rights reserved. Content including all text and images in part or in whole may not be reproduced in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission. Home-Barista, Home-Barista.com and related logos are trademarks of Home-Barista.com, LLC. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. By accessing this site, you agree to the terms of service. Overall speed: , current page: s, avg: s, max: s