Espresso Brewing Guide
Espresso is a small, concentrated coffee brewed under pressure. When it’s dialled in well, it delivers a syrupy body, a sweet finish, and a depth of flavour that carries beautifully into milk drinks or stands confidently on its own.
This guide walks you through the essentials so you can pull consistent, delicious shots at home.
Step-by-step instructions
What you'll need
- Espresso machine with a reliable pump
- Burr grinder with fine adjustments if you have beans
- Freshly roasted Golden Sheep Coffee beans (or pre-ground)
- Tamper
- Scales (optional but recommended)
- Clean, filtered water
Recommended Recipe
- Dose: 18g coffee
- Yield: 36g espresso
- Time: 25–30 seconds
This is a classic 1:2 ratio — a balanced starting point that suits most of our coffees.
Step 1 - Warm up your machine
Give your machine at least 10–15 minutes to fully heat. A stable temperature is essential for consistent flavour.
Step 2 - Grind fresh
Set your grinder to a fine espresso setting. The grind should feel like soft sand.
- Finer = slower flow.
- Coarser = faster flow.
Step 3 - Dose & distribute
Weigh out your coffee, add it to the portafilter, and gently shake or level it to avoid clumps or uneven pockets.
Step 4 - Tamp evenly
Using your Tamper, press straight down with firm, even pressure. You’re aiming for a smooth, level surface.
Step 5 - Pull the shot
- Lock in the portafilter and start the extraction.
- You’re looking for a steady, honey‑like stream and a total time of around 25–30 seconds.
Step 6 - Taste & adjust
- Too sour or sharp: grind finer
- Too bitter or dry: grind coarser
- Thin or weak: increase dose slightly
- Overly intense: reduce dose or increase yield
Espresso is all about small, deliberate adjustments.
Tips for better espresso
- Use filtered water to protect your machine and improve flavour.
- Purge the group head before each shot to clear old grounds.
- Keep your grinder clean — stale coffee affects taste.
- Let beans rest 5–14 days after roasting for best results.
Our recommendation
Espresso brings out the deeper, chocolatey and caramel notes in our blends. If you enjoy a sweeter, rounder cup, try our Golden Sheep House Blend. For something brighter and fruitier, a single origin works beautifully.
