So I've been having a problem with my company's espresso for the past few days. The espresso we use is normally pretty floral, chocolaty and sweet. For the past few days, however, it has been tasting very old, charred, and smoky (in a bad way). I'm using a La Marzocco FB 80 with triple baskets. The machine is set for 202 degrees and the espresso was roasted on the 7th. Ive tried different doses and drop times but nothing really seems to help. Is there anything else I can try?

The weather is also horrible outside. Its super humid and hot out. I'm not sure if that would contribute to it at all...

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Ali Hojeij said:
Well i think the temp of water should not be more then 192 . Temp and pressure can effect the taste of coffee and also as some mentioned cleaning all porta filters with PULLYCAFE by placing 2-3 gram of pully cafe on the flat screen and flush the head so many times until you see all black old coffee are going out. After using the pully cafe run a double shot of coffee to make sure all chemicals are removed and soak all porta filters, screens and the attached screen after removing by loosing the screw in the middle. Soak aover night with very hot water and 7 to 10 gram of pully caf, then next day scrub the porta filters and wash them and for sure the taste will change.
Also we do have to look into the characteristic of WATER.
Ali Hojeij

Perhaps I'm misunderstanding your suggested cleaning procedures, but seems like you are missing some steps.

Backflushing with detergent is simple - just follow the instructions on the back of the can EXCEPT they recommend way too much detergent - a dime sized amount is plenty. Rinse very thoroughly with clear water as directed on the back of the can.

The "seasoning shot" is only required after all cleaning steps have been performed - including the soaking of the portafilter and baskets.

Regarding the temperature, that will depend on your coffee. It will most certainly need to be hotter than 192F though.

Agreed on the need to look into the characteristics of the water being used. Its an important factor, for sure.
If you have covered your end contact your roaster and ask if any changes have been made to the blend with this batch and proceed to explain your problems. If they are the responsible roaster I hope they are, they will go out of there way to help correct this issue.
... they don't normally run cleaning agents through the *grinder*

I bet the screens are just fine seeing how she mentioned back flushing it regularly :) Not too many places I know of that regularly backflush and don't use a cleaning agent.

-bry

Alvaro Sanchez said:
Hello April,

Quoting you:
"We don't actually run cleaning agents through it though."

I bet you a bag of Luwak, your showers creens are caked with old coffee oils and that's where the taste is coming from. Get a screwdriver, take out your screens and check it out.

You must use a cleaning detergent. If you are concerned about using detergents try the Evo (organic one) but by avoiding chemicals you are getting a tar build up that is making your coffee taste burn and will eventually clog your machine.

I hope it helps :)

Cheers

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