Changes in flavor as I drink an espresso

wilburpan

I thought of something today as I was having my morning espresso. I’m used to a small shift in flavor from the more acidic end when I first start sipping it to a richer, more chocolate taste at the end.

Could this be due to the layer of crema on top? My understanding is that at least part of the crema is due to CO2 being released during the extraction, and CO2 certainly will have an acidic taste to it. So it makes sense that the first sips will have more crema because it’s up top, and there will be less as I drink the rest of the espresso.

I also realize that part of the taste shift I am experiencing would be due to the drop in temperature as the espresso cools a bit.

MediumRoastSteam

I suppose it’s a very intense short-lived experience due to the size of the beverage and how the texture is layered.

So you get the first sip: creamy, bitter, velvety, intense… And as it cools down and the crema dissipates, you get a more thinner, sweet beverage.

Try mixing the crema in - essentially stirring your espresso and see if you then get a more uniform flavour.

Remember: Stirred, not shaken. 🙃

wilburpan

MediumRoastSteam Remember: Stirred, not shaken.

So a reverse James Bond. Got it. 😉

Chhow

Thanks, I didn’t know it was that simple! I used to drink espresso almost in one gulp, because I only needed a boost of energy, now I try to enjoy the taste of coffee