Your favorite Blue Bottle espresso

#1: Post by **Jebez** » February 28th, 2023, 3:05 pm

Greetings friends.
I've never tried any of the offerings from Blue Bottle and wanted to treat myself on the occasion of my 70th birthday in a few days. I noticed that they have an interesting assortment on their website and would love to know what your favorites are from this roaster.
I typically enjoy full body shots, chocolate and nuts, and beans that are easy to dial in (who doesn't

)
Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

#2: Post by **ReignDrops** » February 28th, 2023, 3:49 pm

Youll love their house shot, Hayes. I ran it as 20g in 30g out.

February 28th, 2023, 4:22 pm

Thank you @ReignDrops.

#4: Post by **Balthazar_B** » February 28th, 2023, 4:38 pm

It's not often discussed here, but I've really enjoyed their Bella Donovan pulled as an espresso. Lots of chocolately weight informed by a little berry vigor. I've always enjoyed blends of medium-dark New World and Ethiopian beans done well, and this particular one is done quite well.

February 28th, 2023, 4:54 pm

Thank you @Balthazar_B. That sounds delicious. I'll add that to the list.

#6: Post by **Mat-O-Matic** » March 1st, 2023, 4:06 pm

+1 on Hayes, though I preferred the 17ft ceiling because it's a little lighter, and the mild acidity is cherry/stone fruit vs citrus, which is my personal preference. In both cases, I found the espresso recipes on the bags to be spot on. For Hayes, that's as Reign Drops said. For 17 ft it's a tight ristretto, like 19:21 or something. My recollection is that it was similar to squirting Hershey's syrup straight from the bottle.

March 1st, 2023, 6:17 pm

Thank you @"Mat-O-Matic.
"...similar to squirting Hershey's syrup straight from the bottle."
That sounds too good to resist! I'll also have to add 17ft ceiling to the list.

#8: Post by **objective1** » March 1st, 2023, 7:35 pm

+1 on the 17 ft ceiling. they use a high quality robusta as the foundation for the blend... the trick the barista's suggested from the mission location in San Fran was that not only is a tight ristretto, but its a long brew time... like 40+ seconds...

The Hayes was also nice at home as well in their shops.

I've also gotten quite a few of their single origins and run them as espresso. typically as EK shots 1:3 ish.. enjoyed most everything. trust their tasting notes...

March 1st, 2023, 11:23 pm

Thank you @objective1. I'm sold and will definitely order up the 17 ft ceiling as well.
At some point, I'll follow your advice and try their single origins.
Pardon my ignorance, but what is an EK shot?

#10: Post by **Balthazar_B** » March 2nd, 2023, 8:47 am

Jebez wrote: Pardon my ignorance, but what is an EK shot?

Ground on a Mahlkonig EK43, which is a big flat burr machine. Quite expensive and so ugly it may be grounds for divorce. But when it's calibrated correctly, it can grind very evenly and provide high-extraction shots. But there are many other grinders out that that will give you the means to make reliably great espresso (and the grinder is the most important piece of equipment for this).