Continuing our gentle pressure profiles that are in our DE1PRO decent espresso machine, we tried a profile called “Gentler but still traditional 8.4 bar.” Decent describes this profile as a recipe that some professional baristas prefer to use because they believe that lowering the pressure just a little from 9 bar down to 8.4 bar produces a better espresso that’s traditional and doesn’t require 100% perfect preparation from the barista.
With 18.0 grams of coffee in, the profile starts extraction with a low-pressure preinfusion for 10 seconds at a pressure of around 4 bars and then climbs to 8.4 bar, staying at that pressure level throughout the course of the brew, for a pouring time of 30 seconds at a temperature of 89.5°C. The total weight of the espresso after extraction was at 40 ml. See the chart below.
Using our house blend beans, the DC7 blend, comprised of Guatemala Huehuetenango, Colombian Supremo, and Northern Philippines coffees, our shot produced an aroma that had a hint of dark chocolate and spices, with notes of molasses followed by a very subtle tobacco flavor, with a tad bit of acidity. The body left a smooth mouthfeel and was more or less balanced. The “gentle flat 2.5ml/second” pressure profile was smooth and sweet but did not make for a balanced flavor.
Aroma: 7.5
Flavor: 8
Finish: 8
Aftertaste: 8
Acidity: 7.5
Body/Texture: 8
Balance: 8
Sweetness: 8
