I enjoy the variability. I like discovering what small changes make in the cup. I feel I learn more this way.

This is also one of the reasons I don't weigh doses, use a timer, distribute, or even level. I also prefer to feel like a barista rather than a drug dealer.

Even with all this "variability", with practice, you can get some darn good shots.

another_jim wrote:But you'd need to find a new hobby, preferably one with real world difficulties.

It's like, you get me. You really get me!

'Strue.

Psyd wrote:Thirty seconds later, I get a godshot buried in a free-poured swan crafted from the sweetest, latex-paint-looking microfoam, in porcelain, at the proper temperature.

I'm impressed that the barista can free-pour a swan in two seconds. Is there some gravity enhancement going on? I'd think that this 9.8m/s^2 would limit the pour speed.

malachi wrote:You all have honestly had what you consider "perfect" shots?
Shots that could not in any way be improved - that are the "elizabethan ideal" of espresso?

Yes, what I call a godshot. A shot that virtually lifts me off my feet in pure blissfull sensory perfection. A shot so exquisite leaves me in breathless awe. The heavens open and and angels sing in praise to the coffee gods. IIRC pulled a total of 7 in eight years since becoming a follower of the Dark Side, again IIRC 1 this year. But maybe not, the last one might have been last year. They are anything but routine daily occurences let alone back to back pulls.

If I had Filet Mignon everyday I'd stop tasting it after a while, which is to say that I agree: I don't want perfect every time. I'm very happy with "very good, very tasty," so when I get a super-amazing shot, it tastes even better.

miKe mcKoffee wrote:Yes, what I call a godshot. A shot that virtually lifts me off my feet in pure blissfull sensory perfection. A shot so exquisite leaves me in breathless awe. The heavens open and and angels sing in praise to the coffee gods. IIRC pulled a total of 7 in eight years since becoming a follower of the Dark Side, again IIRC 1 this year. But maybe not, the last one might have been last year. They are anything but routine daily occurences let alone back to back pulls.

I had one 3 weeks ago; looked like I was going to choke them machine, and then the magic began.

Stanner wrote:If I had Filet Mignon everyday I'd stop tasting it after a while, which is to say that I agree: I don't want perfect every time. I'm very happy with "very good, very tasty," so when I get a super-amazing shot, it tastes even better.

I think it you had Filet Mignon every day, you might begin to appreciate that even those vary in quality, and you could pursue the perfect Filet Mignon.

To me, the perfect Filet is one purchased by someone else

Stanner wrote:If I had Filet Mignon everyday I'd stop tasting it after a while, which is to say that I agree: I don't want perfect every time. I'm very happy with "very good, very tasty," so when I get a super-amazing shot, it tastes even better.

I couldn't eat filet mignon every day. Besides what it would do to my pocket book, I need the variety. There are too many other foods out there to try. That doesn't mean that when I have filet mignon I don't want a "perfect filet mignon". Same goes for my coffee, I need variety. I get it by having two or three (or four) different coffees available at any given time and using different methods of preparation (there's nothing wrong with a french press or a drip if you don't feel like an espresso). And yes, I would be really happy if every time I made coffee it was "perfect".