Fast blonding and a fine grind are tale tale signs of coffee that is at the end of its life. You may want to verify the roasted on date next time you pick up a bag.

cannonfodder wrote:Fast blonding and a fine grind are tale tale signs of coffee that is at the end of its life. You may want to verify the roasted on date next time you pick up a bag.

Or could be a sign of poor distribution.

Thanks for your help guys.

I've adjusted my grinder down one step to produce a finer grind. I've reduced the grinds in the portafilter to 15 grams. I'm getting better consistency throughout the extraction. I'm taking note of when it's turning blonde, and cutting my shot based on that, rather than time (although I'm still pretty close to 25 seconds.) I'm using fizzy water - to cleanse my palate - and that works perfectly for me - as I can judge my output by taste a lot more effectively.

In short - I'm getting a much better shot So once again - thank you all for your help.

I still haven't tried splitting the shot into 4 cups - but can't wait to try that in the weekend.

Danny

disgrace wrote:Regarding blonding - just so that I've got it right - is it blonding when the dark stripes in the extraction stop coming through into the pour?

That's one way. But from When did this espresso extraction go blond? I noted that I use the "collapse of the cone" as a signal:


A "can't miss" sign that the end is near...

It is caused by a change in surface tension when the dissolved solids plummets and the higher surface tension of purer water causes the cone to "pucker up". See the thread linked above and others from the FAQs and Favorites for more tips.

Ever since I started weighing my shots as they brew, I haven't looked for blonding (which is too subjective in my opinion). Weighing the shot has improved my consistency immensly. Try it. There are many cheap digital scales that would work.

Hi guys,

Just a bit of an update. Since looking at the video of the extraction, I'm getting much better at stopping the shot. This has improved my shots.

I also took my grinder apart and gave it a good clean - since doing this, I've noticed even more of an improvement in the taste of my coffee

Thanks for your help - I really appreciate it!!!