How to prevent the bitter or burned taste in espresso?

Question

I have my espresso machine for the first time. I love the caramel macchiato of Starbucks. I bought a espresso medium roast with the local brand of a supermarket but it taste like burned. I decided to get the espresso of Starbucks but it also taste the same. What do you think it taste like that? Please help. Thanks.

Answer 1

actually a perfect shot should only take 14-18 seconds to pull and should sit no longer than 10 seconds.  adding milk or sugar does not save the shot....nothing saves the shot.  Your best bet is to mix your other ingredients and then pull your shots.....and you should buy an espresso roast....not a medium roast.....there is a difference

Answer 2

A perfect shot should pull between 20-25 seconds and should not sit for more than 10 seconds without adding sugar or milk and drinking otherwise it doesn't best.

Other than that , I don't know, maybe it's your machine.

Answer 3

Does your machine allow the water to boil? This is very important for espresso.

Some prefer filtered water. It helps.

But you also should contact the brand and ask why.

I suggest you to read this page. Is very informative:

http://www.coffeeresearch.org/espresso/p...