82°C vs 92°C vs.100°C Espresso — Which Tastes Better?

About this video

• Video Title: 82°C vs 92°C vs.100°C Espresso — Which Tastes Better?
• Channel: Hoon's Coffee
• Speakers: Hoon (implied host)
• Duration: 41:15

Overview

This video compares the taste of espresso brewed at different temperatures: 82°C, 92°C, and 97°C (the maximum achievable at the given altitude). The host aims to determine which temperature yields the best tasting espresso, using the same coffee beans, grinder, and machine settings for each test.

Key takeaways

• Temperature Impact on Taste: Different water temperatures significantly affect the taste of espresso, influencing the balance of flavors and overall profile.
• Optimal Temperature Range: For the tested medium-light roast coffee, 92°C produced the most balanced and appealing espresso, while 82°C was perceived as "off" and 97°C as bitter.
• Coffee Roast and Temperature: The ideal brewing temperature can vary based on the coffee's roast level; darker roasts may perform better at lower temperatures (around 89-90°C), while lighter roasts might benefit from higher temperatures (up to 95°C).
• Grinder and Basket Influence: The choice of grinder and espresso basket (e.g., standard vs. step-down baskets like Graf or Normcore) also plays a crucial role in dialing in the shot and extracting optimal flavor.
• Altitude and Boiling Point: The maximum achievable brewing temperature is affected by altitude; higher altitudes have lower boiling points for water.