roastaroma wrote:Ciao Christian,
Nowadays I pull both with single & double baskets -- but it may be easier to get good singles with certain machines (for ex., spring levers and Elektra Semiautomaticas). In my case I enjoy the double ristrettos more. But when I just want a little taste, and prefer not to use up so much coffee, I pull singles.
A single pull from my Cremina has become easier. With practice.
I love the taste and clarity I get with a single. For me, the only caveat is that my Penny (espressme) tamper is just a wee bit too large for both my single Cremina and Elektra basket. Got it stuck one day, worked like heck to get it unstuck
I think what makes the single a bit more difficult for those of us lever-ites, is that dose and DISTRIBUTION become even more critical. The pull must be very even.
If I could describe the difference in taste other than clarity, I'd say the cup is more "coffee-like." Meaning, a bit less intense, but to my taste a touch sweeter. More sink shots, though.