How to Fix Espresso Extractions: Timing, Taste & More

How to Fix Espresso Extractions: Timing, Taste & More
Have you ever wondered, "Why is my espresso shot running too fast or too slow? Why does my espresso taste sour or bitter? Why am I not getting any crema? Why am I getting channeling?" This video covers some common espresso issues and how to fix them.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:59 Shots Too Fast/Slow
4:42 Shots Too Sour/Bitter
8:08 No Crema
10:07 Channeling
Video Tutorial: The Salami Shot: • The Salami Shot: Under...
#Espresso #Coffee #Barista
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[@yektafarid]

This was the best video on coffee making I have ever seen, very organized, informative, and easy to understand.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Wow, thank you!

[@matdiehl2945]

Thanks Mom💜

[@MrAizakku]

I wish i could just retire and spend my days as an expert espresso barista making perfect cups of espresso all day ~

[@funny4178]

dream come true!

[@JNI_GAMER]

Honestly, This video is what I needed for a long time ! He explained almost every aspects many people face with their espresso. I appreciate your explanation and the critical information you mentioned in the video 👍🏻

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thank you very much, Abdulaziz. I'm glad you found the information and presentation helpful! AJ

[@leumas75]

This is the best and most precise explanation of the difference between sour & bitter I’ve yet to come across. That 28 seconds alone (5:18 - 5:46) is worth a significant pay raise from the boss man.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Haha thanks Stephen! I'll pass that along 😉 AJ

[@eddyperiz9003]

Extremely well presented with top notch close-ups ! Thanks !

[@8trout]

I am loving your technical videos. Well done and thanks for helping me better understand the black box of espresso!

[@LightZone9]

Thanks AJ! Whoever is responsible for putting this video together, 👍🏻👍🏻! I've been making espresso for going on 30 years, and this is the best video explaining the idiosyncrasies of espresso brewing available. Your clear and logical progression through the process should be archived as "Espresso Analysis 101". ☕

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thanks Bill! It was a one-man production on this one, so I appreciate the comment. You've been making espresso since before I knew what coffee was, so your praise carries extra weight. Cheers to another 30 years of tasty shots ☕️ AJ

[@khalidhasan3512]

May I check how many ml is single shot espresso?

[@SparklinxStar]

Well explained and very straight to the point , thank you so much

[@alecbarbeemusic]

These videos are a gold mine for a beginner in espresso. Thank you for making them!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thanks, Alec! Glad you found it so useful AJ

[@johnadams9044]

Great video tutorial providing the vital espresso extraction principles,.

[@ajpach]

This video answered all my questions! Super useful for a starter like me. Thank you!

[@philipdiorio6199]

This is an excellent, and concise, presentation of all the espresso extraction concerns and their solutions.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thank you! ☕️ AJ

[@jillgadget]

thank you. as a newby at home barista - this answers a lot of questions and slow enough that I can retain what you said before going on to the next issue.

[@rogiervdheide]

Thanks for all the advice! A key addition to your video is to keep the machine clean, descaled, and not leaking anywhere as all of that caused sub optimal results as well.

[@sdm107]

Fantastic video, thank you for breaking this down and articulating it so well

[@Wholelattelovepage]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting! AJ

[@cpg8000]

Awesome video. Focused, organized and terse presentation. Thank you! This info calms down my frustration and gives me a plan. 🙏

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you found it helpful! AJ

[@audreynolt7069]

Very clear and well-researched. Thank you!

[@ficokan]

Really good video. Explains lot of different aspects and possible traps in which someone preparing nice cup of espresso can get into. These tips are very easy to digest and ready to start experimenting with them. Great job 🙂

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thank you very much, Filip! AJ

[@wesselkriel8552]

Excellent comprehensive video on extraction ! 5 Stars

[@wangyeelinpamela]

This was the best video I have watched for coffee adjustments. Thanks

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Awesome, thank you!

[@erincheslock219]

Thank you for your thorough, detailed, and also simple explanation for troubleshooting espresso, as well as the why’s behind why things are so important to pay attention to! I’ve been a barista for well over a decade and have been on the hunt for well-encompassing videos that really cover all areas of learning your espresso, as well as keeping it detailed but simple. I was relieved to find your video, as you did a PERFECT job covering the things I want to convey to my fellow newbie baristas!!! Thank you so much, please keep it up! I am really looking forward to watching your other videos and using them to help train my coworkers. :D

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thank you for all the kind words! Definitely feel free to use or share the video for training or any other purposes. Cheers! ☕️ AJ

[@robocop7177]

Best video Ive seen about dialing in my espresso. Loved how you broke down seperating sour vs bitter. Also tying troubleshooting methods directly to the outcomes was super helpful. Thanks!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

You're welcome and thanks a whole latte for the comment!

[@sovithonhin6831]

Great Video. Clear and Precise Explaination. Thank you!

[@thezerogforce]

In my opinion, this is the best video i watch explaining to the point so many issues producing espresso. I watch so many but this one video has so much detail and good explanation. Well done mate and thank you very much.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thank you. The kind words are much appreciated! AJ

[@trizvanov]

One of the best explanations of espresso extraction. Thanks so much!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

You're welcome, Tim the Enchanter 🔥 AJ

[@polacofederos]

as a newbie in this world, this video is a must to me

[@sharpedance]

Thank you for clear and complete lesson on dialing in. This is the best and most understandable video I’ve seen so far. Awesome👍🏼

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi sd, Thanks a whole latte for the comment!

[@JodouTR]

I've been pulling my own shots for about three years now and only now learned why crema extracts the way it does. Thanks science!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Glad to help!

[@MongooseReflexes]

This was a fantastic video, beautifully made with tons of great info! Thanks!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnmullo9734]

Brilliant video for me as a beginner, explains the reason why expresso may not turn out as it should. Thanks

[@mikeholdsworth1862]

Excellent! I'd been having issues for ages with my extractions. The section toward the end on channelling was particularly helpful. I'm now enjoying full flavoured shots and feel confident to take my ballpark extraction to the next level. Thanks for being so clear on the process from start to finish with very little in the way of "filler" material. Top marks

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thanks, Mike. Happy to hear the video already has you pulling better shots! AJ

[@obscenellama4274]

Take my sub. Best espresso vid I’ve seen, no BS & clearly explained. Thanks very much!

[@leelee71]

Im completely new at this and have been researching like crazy. By far this is the most articulate, least fussy or wordy or protentious explanation of how to get a good shot. Thank you for this!.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey l, You are welcome bnd thanks a whole latte for the comment!

[@chesedkim]

I have waited this video for a long time, thank you so much for sharing your valuable knowledge in a clear manner.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching! AJ

[@rich10241024]

Superb tutorial, straight to the point and very clearly explained, many thanks.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey RL, You're welcome and thanks a whole latte for the comment!

[@planitearth]

Probably the best video explanation that I've seen on how to improve your espresso shots. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. Would be great if you made a pdf cheat sheet but that's just me being too lazy to take notes!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thanks Charles! PDF cheat sheet is a good idea. I'll see if we can get our graphic designer to put one together. AJ

[@u3pvip]

Thank you. My favorite part is the crema explanation and how you emphasized that personal preference is important.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

You are so welcome!

[@johnbeasley4211]

Super helpful !!! This video answered questions I didn't even knowI had. Comments on crema were particularly informative for me.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tyroneanderson8270]

You folks nailed it in this vid....very helpful and professional. This is quality customer service. Thanks!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Much appreciated!

[@wesleybaquero6414]

This video could not come at a most convenient time, been having issues with channeling and my shots not tasting the best. I am excited to try some things I learned here. Thank you very much! Always great videos.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Happy to help. Thank you and good luck! AJ

[@adamnoble8057]

Thanks for this video, very helpful especially the close up of the bottomless filter during channeling, - thanks

[@Wholelattelovepage]

You're welcome. Thanks for the comment! AJ

[@ishantsingh3366]

Loved it ! loved it ! loved it! This channel is purely indeed made of pure love and celebrating the beauty of coffee. Can't find a video more apt and spilling off such crucial information anywhere.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thank you for the kind comment! It is very much appreciated. Cheers ☕️ AJ

[@ishantsingh3366]

@@Wholelattelovepage as a fellow home barista how do I ask specific questions or consult the experts of the whole latte love regarding queries?

[@felipeneves1525]

Great knowledge, easily explained. Thank you

[@Wholelattelovepage]

My pleasure

[@sray1144]

WoW! Thanks a lot! Can’t wait for tomorrow morning to try few new tricks with my brand new grinder ❤

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Have fun!

[@kaksunshine78]

I’ve literally watched so many videos on how to pull a decent shot and this is by far the best and most detailed one I’ve seen. Oh how I wish I would have found this video first to save us a lot of time and effort, but thankfully we are still relatively early on our home espresso journey. Thank you so much for explaining the different problem areas so thoroughly and providing helpful tips on how to troubleshoot each. This video has been so incredibly helpful!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

I'm glad you found it so helpful! Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. Good luck as you continue your espresso journey! AJ

[@tuckerdupaul4657]

I got an espresso machine for my birthday and I started to think that the machine was bad because it wasn’t really expensive, but this video reassured me that it was not the machine. This is exactly why I needed. Thanks

[@genebush239]

Thanks for the clarity. As a newbie to espresso brewing this was extremely helpful!

[@DennisDuBois-ws9en]

This video helped me more than any other video I have watched. It ansered all my questions and solved all my problems. I am now getting great shots. Now I am in the process of fine tuning and experimenting with different coffees and roasts. THANK YOU!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Dennis, happy to help and thanks for the comment!

[@adamhlj]

This is so much better than Lance Hedrick's videos. You explained in 10 minutes what took him 2, 30-minute videos.

[@user-ez3hp5lj1v]

This video is the Bible for me. Thank you for so much dedication!

[@Woofersgalore]

Really helpful.Thank you

[@ssaran2]

Nicely explained. I’ve been a barista for over 2 years in one of my past jobs and I can relate to everything you said.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Right on!

[@eliasmutuku822]

You did a pretty good job here, for someone like me who is new to coffee industry, seeking to leverage my skills. Thank you and God bless you.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thanks, Elias! AJ

[@RS-sc2zr]

this video just covered all of my concerns 😮 thank you👍👍👍

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Glad it helped and thanks for your comment!

[@alannorman1773]

Fabulous informative video cheers AJ❤

[@mrjceltic]

That was such an excellent presentation. I've learnt more watching that then my last 20 searches on the same subject. Also your channels instructional tutorial on the Gaggia classic which I brought home yesterday 🙂. Awesome 👍

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Wow, thank you!

[@znraymond]

This video answers most of my questions, thank you so much.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

You are so welcome!

[@jessejames7074]

First time watching you. I must say I really like your film set. Kudos! I'm just getting into Expresso this looks like a good place for me to start. Thank God there is KZbin and people like you utilizing it.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey JJ, Thanks for the comment and welcome aboard!

[@poojawason4968]

Thanks a ton, this video is extremely informative and some key issues have been explained so nicely to find answers to the problems I was facing. Thanks again:)

[@Wholelattelovepage]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching! AJ

[@alainwelter]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@WilyforInfinity]

This video should get more praise it’s a master piece ❤

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey WA, Thanks so much for the comment - it's appreciated a whole latte!

[@ripsimedevedzhyan2106]

Best video that explains everything espresso 101

[@ymhyms]

Thank you! That’s exactly what makes you the best coffee channel by far

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thank you very much, Kamal! AJ

[@Maya_s1999]

100% useful and actionable advice!! Best video for a novice, amazing work 👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thanks so much!

[@mon80808]

Sheesh so good. Thank you for this video! Appreciate all the info. So clear!

[@mrx-in4xh]

Great video AJ. I like the systematic way you go through each variable, best video I saw on this topic. Few years ago I installed a PID in my Silvia and it was a game changer in terms of adding consistency to the process. I also kept detailed note book listing all variables, such as grind size, timing, etc etc for the various coffees I use. This might seem over the top for some folks, but it's fun to me, and now I can diagnose issues pretty quickly when I'm trying a new coffee bean. And coffee bean is the one thing that will constantly change, no two bags of coffee are ever the same. Cheers.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

With the level some people go to, that doesn't seem over the top at all. It actually sounds like a nice way of tracking your process and preferences. True that no two bags will be identical, but at least now you can reference your past experiences and get in the ballpark. AJ

[@spencerstarr4131]

Great video AJ. Very thorough. Could you and/or Mark revisit some flow control topics in the future? Loving my Synchronika with FC, but I notice some odd extractions at times-e.g. sometimes the 1/4-1/2 extraction will run faster than a regular 1 1/4 with preinfusion. Seems counterintuitive to me…

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey Spencer, there will be more flow control videos coming eventually. I will say though that shot timing kind of goes out the window when flow profiling. Your example does sound counterintuitive, but I've experienced it myself before as well. The best explanation I've heard is that the low flow gently and evenly saturates the puck, allowing for degassing and expansion of the grounds in a more natural way. Full flow/pressure right out of the gate, especially on a rotary pump machine that ramps up quickly (pretend you didn't do a pre-infusion), can force fines to the bottom and almost "clog" the holes in your basket. The abrupt pressure could also be "re-tamping" your espresso and compacting it further, slowing the flow through the puck. AJ

[@ggivensjr]

Excellent job! I am incredibly happy you mentioned, albeit briefly, the role of Robusta variety coffee in the production of Crema. P.S. BTW, a little trick for those who don't like acidity is to drop a grain or two of salt in basket. That's a trick my grandma used when she made cowboy coffee and my mother did with the percolator. It really works but be careful not to use too much.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey George, thanks for the comment. I've heard of adding salt to mitigate bitterness, but it's an interesting idea to reduce acidity too. Never personally done it, but maybe I'll have to give it a try! AJ

[@marcozbo]

Excellent explanations. Best video I've seen on this topic. Bravo!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey MC, Thanks a whole latte for the comment!

[@PT-ww9nc]

Amazingly clear and to the point.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thbanks for the comment!

[@BrianMered]

Well done, great ideas for improving espressos presented very clearly!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thank you very much!

[@TheCodeTinkerer]

Great video - Concise and sufficiantly technical.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thanks Casper, I appreciate it! AJ

[@vanessaharo8562]

I just want to take the time to say this was the most informative and easy to understand espresso video! I just purchased a pricey espresso machine and I’m giving up my Nespresso machine. Can’t wait to try out all these techniques! :)

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey v, Thanks for the kind words!

[@pter7531]

Brilliant. Very informative, well explained. Chapeau!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thank you kindly!

[@justintyler9577]

This is the best espresso video by far 👍🏻👍🏻

[@dangreenhithe1407]

Thanks for this video. It is very helpful and well put together.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

You're very welcome!

[@ibrahimalghamdi1501]

Everything that I needed is in this video. Thanks ❤

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi IA, You're welcome!

[@lauraperry176]

So helpful. Thank you!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Welcome 🤗

[@SomeDudeDan]

Thanks for this amazing informative video! It really helped me track down multiple issues my espresso shots, and I was able to make some tasty ones in the end!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Awesome! Glad you found it so helpful AJ

[@robertbelden1584]

Very helpful and with great detail! Thanks AJ and WLL!! Robert

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thanks Robert, I appreciate it! AJ

[@waynemiller6775]

Great video . I was surprised that brew pressure and flow rate were never mentioned though. I realize that there are several available re these issues but they can have a considerable affect on bitterness,sourness and extraction/ crema.

[@hakiizaalim6495]

have been looking for this kind of information about espresso,thanks so much for the well explanation

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mohdymi]

This is the best video about how to make a perfect espresso shot, EVER, after trying for a full year to make the perfect one, all failed, but I’m %100 sure, that after applying what this video said, it will be much better, WAAY better :)

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thank you for the kind words! Hopefully this video will help you and many others make great espresso ☕️ AJ

[@DenverDiscovery]

Great video. Thank you. I'm still going through the process of finding the right combo. It's a challenge, but will be worthwhile.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

You got this!

[@amberv1776]

Thank you! I am a major newbie and having the toughest time with channeling and tamping. Going to try some of these things to see if it helps!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Wonderful!

[@chameleon6933]

Thank you ❤ Just starting helped greatly!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

You're so welcome!

[@Ghanshyam00000]

This video is incredibly important on how to fix espresso extraction shots too fast and slow, sour and bitter, with no crema, or channelling these are useful tips so we can make better espresso thanks.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Our pleasure!

[@francequirion9547]

Very instructive, thank you so much for the share of your knowledge. New to barista world and it is really helpful.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching! AJ

[@z3r0w1ng]

Super video. Almost masterclass on espresso. Thank you!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thanks. Cool roasting videos on your channel! AJ

[@richardchaitt774]

Excellent video series, learned a lot. I also like purchasing my whole bean coffee from you guys!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Richard, thanks for watching and for your business! AJ

[@kekaganga5602]

Best video I have seen thus far! I learned so much! Thank you! I am getting my new espresso machine today from WLL!! Excited!!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey KG, congrats on your new machine and thanks for your patronage. Be sure and check out our support section which is loaded with videos and other information. For that, go here: support.wholelattelove.com/ and use the search by brand to find your machine.

[@Harrumph]

Well this is exactly what I needed to dial in my old hand me down cheap espresso machine. Amazing what a difference one or two clicks on the grinder will make in the flavor. Thanks!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

You're welcome! Thanks for the comment!

[@ashtonmark24]

Super useful. Currently doing battle with my Sage Barista touch trying to get grind size/extraction right. This vid has defo helped show me what I'm looking for. My shots are definitely getting better but I think I was over tamping too!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Glad your shots are improving! There's certainly a lot of trial and error when dialing in. AJ

[@raevenbriosos-moon6693]

Omg I’ve been looking for something like this forever!!! Amazing

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thanks for the comment!

[@paweflis4680]

Tomorrow my first espresso machine Gaggia Classic is arriving home, what a great timing! Thank you!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Perfect! After you get a feel for the basics, here are a couple tips to help take that machine to the next level: How to Get Better Steam Pressure on the Gaggia Classic Pro: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mau8l52Ne6mloKs How To Get Pre-Infusion On The Gaggia Classic Pro: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6C9poyXedZor8U AJ

[@salalbanese5537]

All you guys on are the best with the most useful information.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Wow, thanks!

[@kianbam8248]

To be honest, this is one of the the best videos I've seen, the details and information is superb and subtly informative. Thanks a LATTE' ✨☕👌 THIS WILL HELP ME A LOT. PS. I DOWNLOADED ALREADY YOUR VIDEOS FOR ME TO WATCH IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN....SHUKRAN

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi KB, Thanks for the kind comment!

[@Bert66]

Very helpful video. Thoughtfully done. Thank you.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Thank you! AJ

[@chrisjenkins1]

Whole latte love give really good information. I love their videos

[@Wholelattelovepage]

For sure!

[@Cal677]

Awesome video. Thank you!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Our pleasure!

[@hzrq]

Thank you so much for this. Really helpful for a beginner like me!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Happy to help! AJ

[@haoslife_mo]

I am a beginner and feel so exciting for this journey. Thank you

[@Wholelattelovepage]

You are so welcome!

[@stefanpool1986]

Top tips. AND I would personally add the number one tip: cleaning your gear. If your coffee taste is getting worse over time then you’re missing out on cleaning your coffee machine and grinder. So: - clean your grinder regularly - clean your portafilter - clean your brewgroup - use a waterfilter if necessary

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey s, 100% great advice - thanks!