Observations on new mid-dose tamping technique.

[egghead]

I am using a Macap M4 stepless grinder. I grind 18 grams of beans (Caffe Fresco's Daterra's blend) for a double shot. This usually takes about 9-10 pulls on the lever of the grinder to dose the coffee. Lately I have been doing a light tamp halfway through dosing (after 4 pulls of the lever), then finishing the dose and tamping again, using a NSEW-type of tamp. I have been getting MUCH better (thicker, sweeter) crema, and better tasting (less bitter) shots. The Crema seems to dissipate quicker however, and it is completely gone when I am about halfway through drinking the shot.


I don't know if this is good or bad, just interesting to me.

Larry

[Bertie Doe]

I don't know if this is good or bad, just interesting to me.

Larry

There's been a few articles on forums about slit-dosing or layering and the response has been mixed
http://tinyurl.com/2cwfkn
http://tinyurl.com/24tocy
http://tinyurl.com/ythf37
The main enemy of splitting the dose is time. It takes longer than the standard single dose method, which means that the p/f and exposed group are cooling rapidly.
I suppose you could overcome this by stat adjustment or surfing a bit higher, but if it works for you, stick with it.

[D-Caffa-nite]

I am using a Macap M4 stepless grinder. I grind 18 grams of beans (Caffe Fresco's Daterra's blend) for a double shot. This usually takes about 9-10 pulls on the lever of the grinder to dose the coffee. Lately I have been doing a light tamp halfway through dosing (after 4 pulls of the lever), then finishing the dose and tamping again, using a NSEW-type of tamp. I have been getting MUCH better (thicker, sweeter) crema, and better tasting (less bitter) shots. The Crema seems to dissipate quicker however, and it is completely gone when I am about halfway through drinking the shot.


I don't know if this is good or bad, just interesting to me.

Larry

Larry,

The LM swift grinder takes this idea to its extreme - it tamps and grinds continuously for the entire dose. Perhaps you may wish to consider this article.

http://www.coffeegeek.com/opinion...kprince/10-08-2006