Espresso Basics Let's start easy: Espresso:  A concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through Espresso Variations These terms describe different ways your espresso can be served: Ristretto:  Italian Espresso Drink Types Here’s how your espresso turns into various beloved beverages: Macchiato:  Espresso Ordering Espresso Like a Pro Ready to order your next espresso confidently? Wigglebutt Coffee & Espresso Now you're ready to join espresso conversations with ease, order exactly

Espresso Series This is the first in a several-part Espresso Series I'll be posting this week. We will cover pulling a shot and a couple of easy tools to use to elevate your espresso to the next level Intro A chocolate‑rich espresso shot that’s gentle on your stomach and drenched in syrupy body? In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to dial in Mandheling for espresso—so you can trade bitterness What Is Sumatra Mandheling  (and Why Should Espresso Lovers Care?)

Espresso Series This is the second in our several-part Espresso Series. In this guide, we will cover how the Ross Droplet Technique(RDT) can help elevate your espresso game. Why Static Matters for Espresso Static isn’t just messy; it folds negatively charged coffee grinds into RDT Spritzer options ·         RDT Spray Bottle –  We use this here at Wigglebutt Coffee for our espresso Closing Thoughts This tool isn’t a statement piece on your espresso bar; however, it will give you a

Espresso Series This is the third in our several-part Espresso Series. In this guide, we will cover how the Weiss Distribution Technique (WDT) can help elevate your espresso If your espresso sometimes gushes from one spout and dribbles from the other, the Weiss Distribution A few WDT options and ones we use ·         IKape v3 Espresso WDT is on our bench and the one we use You’ll want to ensure you pick up the right one for the portafilter size your espresso machine uses.

Ever wished you could replicate your favorite café-quality espresso at home? Good news—you can! Getting the Grind Right Your espresso journey starts with the grind. Adjust as You Go:  If your espresso flows too quickly and tastes weak, grind finer. Typically, a double shot of espresso uses around 18–20 grams of ground coffee. Troubleshooting Common Issues Facing espresso hiccups?

Have you ever wondered why your morning coffee sometimes tastes amazing, while other times it feels off? You might blame it on your brewing skills or the coffee beans, but the real culprit might be your water. Yes, the very water you use significantly affects how your coffee tastes. In this post, we'll explore why water quality matters, its impact on your coffee's flavor, and simple steps to improve your brew.   Why Water Matters in Coffee Brewing Coffee is 98% water. This fact alone emphasizes just how crucial water quality is for your brew. Even the slightest impurities or mineral content in your water can drastically alter the taste of your coffee. Hard water (high in minerals like calcium and magnesium) or overly soft water (too low in minerals) both have distinct effects.   How Water Quality Changes Your Coffee’s Flavor Water can either enhance or mute the flavor compounds extracted from your coffee grounds. Here’s how different water qualities affect taste: Hard Water:  Can lead to a bitter, overly strong coffee flavor. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium interact with coffee compounds and create a harsher taste. Soft Water:  Often results in a flat, dull coffee. The lack of minerals hinders the proper extraction of coffee oils and aromatic compounds. Filtered or Balanced Water: Provides the best balance, extracting a smooth, flavorful cup of coffee that’s neither too harsh nor too bland.   The Best Water for Coffee Brewing According to coffee experts, the best water for coffee brewing should have a balanced mineral content, typically between 50-150 ppm (parts per million) total dissolved solids. Additionally, the ideal pH level for coffee brewing water is neutral, around 7.0.   If you're serious about brewing the perfect cup, consider investing in a simple water test kit to gauge your water's quality. At Wigglebutt Coffee, we use an inexpensive meter from Third Wave Water . This gives a quick reading of the total dissolved solids. You could also use bottled water labeled specifically for coffee or brewing purposes, which usually meets these ideal conditions.   Easy Steps to Improve Your Water Quality Here are some easy and practical tips to instantly improve your coffee's taste through better water quality: Use a Water Filter:  A simple charcoal filter jug or a tap-mounted water filter removes chlorine, heavy metals, and excessive minerals. Try Bottled Spring Water: Look for brands with balanced mineral content—avoid distilled or overly soft waters. Water Softeners and Conditioners:  If your local water is extremely hard, consider using a softener—but remember, too soft can be problematic as well.   Extra Tips for Coffee Lovers Regularly clean your coffee equipment to prevent mineral build-up. Experiment with different water types and taste test to find your preferred flavor. When traveling, use bottled water to keep your coffee tasting consistent.   Wrapping it Up Your coffee's taste heavily depends on water quality. By paying a bit more attention to the water you use, you can consistently enjoy a better-tasting brew. Try these simple changes today, and experience your coffee as it's meant to be: rich, flavorful, and satisfying every single time. If you're looking for a great bean to make any type of coffee at home, check out our  offerings .

It’s dense, making it challenging to grind at home, and is often used in espresso for its unique flavor Dark Roast   Other Names: French, Espresso, and Italian Color:  Dark brown to nearly black Flavor:  Smoky It’s popular for espresso and strong coffee lovers.  

super versatile and work well with just about any brewing method, whether it's a drip coffee maker, espresso For everyday drip coffee makers or espresso machines, blends are generally easier and more foolproof.

With Brew Ratios Standard is 1:15 coffee-to-water, but advanced brewers experiment: 1:12 ratio = bold, espresso-like