I have one real requirement when I drink wine, and that is that is has to taste good to me. I will drink red or white, I prefer when it is not too sweet. I have had cheap wines and expensive wines, and loved and not loved both.

Now, I wish to drink some decent coffee. I have been doing my research, and have settled on a Rancilio Silvia and Rocky. I picked up a Lavazza trial pack of beans, a decent tamper, and have the rest of my life to live. How do I know when I've achieved the perfect espresso? How many kinds of beans will I have to try? How many pulls will I have to make? What does it take to be satisfied? Must I roast my own beans? Pick them alongside Juan Valdez? Or is it a never ending process?

Welcome to the pursuit of exceptional espresso.

Let me be the first to say that great espresso starts with great fresh coffee. Coffee roasted in Italy is packaged, warehoused, shipped by boat, warehoused a second time, shipped by truck, and then finally arrives in your kitchen weeks (if not months) later. I would rather buy from one of the many online roasters who will deliver freshly roasted coffees in three days or less . The Resources page lists this site's sponsors that come highly recommended and the Coffees forum offers specific blends you may wish to try.

What you'll consider great espresso will change over time. The best advice I can offer it to learn from others and enjoy the journey. That's what matters.