Downtown Subscription, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Shot of our hard working San Marco!

If I ever return to Santa Fe... Thanks for the post.

For any of us lever enthusiasts like me, can you tell us something about grouphead temperature control using pro lever machines like yours? The only shot I've had off a pro lever was pulled too hot. I'd put one in my cafe over a pump machine if there were or is a way to dial in or surf to a desired brew temperature.

I visited the Downtown Subscription last year when I was in Santa Fe and I was very pleasantly surprised. Certainly the best coffee in town. I'm glad to see you on HB! Are you guys still using Allegro?

Indeed we are still brewing Allegro. Allegro has been roasting since the mid-seventies and has become one of the most high quality, consistent and ethical roasters in the industry. Thanks for the kind words. Peace.

Just to comment, levers can often manage average brew temperature by raising or lowering boiler pressure. Of course this comes at a cost of available steam if you lower it too much, so a properly tuned machine should pull great coffee all day. Commercial levers are just designed this way to have enough metal and possibly thermosyphons to be able to do this. Unfortunately the smaller lever "toys" by comparison just don't have the room for this possibility.

I suspect the shot you had that tasted too hot had it's boiler at a much higher pressure than needed for their blend, either because they didn't know or maybe they cared more about steaming milk quickly than shot quality. To the average consumer this could be a very valid business decision.

Good to see some shops out there are using these amazing levers properly!

Good to know of a place nearby that shows some care - I'll be sure to stop by the next time I drive up there.
I've also never had a lever shot that wasn't pulled by me, so I'm rather curious.