How to Dial in Bean Pop Coffee
1. Start With a Baseline Recipe
Use this as your starting point:
- Dose: 18g
- Yield: 36g (in the cup)
- Time: 27–32 seconds
This is a standard 1:2 brew ratio and a great foundation for all our Bean Pop Coffee blends.
2. Pour Your First Shot
Run your shot using the baseline recipe and take note of:
- Shot time
- Taste
- Flow rate (fast / slow / channelling)
You’re not chasing perfection yet; this is just your benchmark.
3. Taste & Adjust
If your coffee tastes SOUR, sharp, or watery:
It’s under-extracted.
Fix it by grinding finer.
This slows the flow and extracts more sweetness and depth.
If your coffee tastes BITTER, dry, or hollow:
It’s over-extracted.
Fix it by grinding coarser.
This speeds up the flow and reduces bitterness.
If the shot runs TOO FAST (e.g., 10–20 sec):
- Grind finer
- Check distribution/tamping
If the shot runs TOO SLOW (e.g., 35–50 sec):
- Grind coarser
- Ensure you’re not overdosing
4. Repeat in Small Steps
Make one change at a time and keep adjustments small.
Tiny grind shifts make a big difference.
Pull another shot and taste again.
Dialling in usually takes 2–5 shots, depending on:
- Freshness of beans
- Grinder quality
- Ambient humidity
- Coffee age
5. Fine-Tune Your Recipe (Optional)
Once extraction is balanced, you can tailor the flavour:
Want MORE sweetness & body?
→ Increase the dose slightly or shorten the yield.
Want MORE clarity or brightness?
→ Decrease the dose or increase the yield slightly.
Want a STRONGER tasting espresso?
→ Keep the same ratio but use a slightly higher dose.
6. Log Your Perfect Dial-In
Write down:
- Dose
- Grind setting
- Yield
- Time
- Taste notes
This becomes your go-to recipe for the bag of beans you’re using.
7. Re-Dial When Needed
You may need to adjust daily because:
- Beans age
- Humidity changes
- Your grinder warms up
- You switch to a new coffee
A quick tweak to the grinder is normal, it's part of the craft.