How long does your espresso last?

Ernie1

Given the extent some of us go to to chase ever-better espresso I was curious to know how long it takes you to drink an espresso once made.

I now drink almost exclusively flat whites/Americano as I enjoy savouring them a bit longer than an espresso stays hot. I’ll occasionally have an espresso if I have new beans or beans that sound particularly interesting but I seem to enjoy longer drinks much more.

LMSC

I rarely drink as an espresso. It’s always a black Americano, which I let it sit on my table for few mins before drinking. The temp will be about 55C-60C. I also find the coffee tastes better for me at these temps than hotter as the flavour profile matures over time . The last few sips will always be luke warm. 😊

Systemic

Invariably drink cortados these days. After first sip which is mainly microfoam, I let the it cool as the flavour notes are muted when the cortado is hot.

Cuprajake

temp has a massive affect/effect on coffee

dfk41

I drink a hotch potch of styles, but the one thing I find is if adding water to make an americano, do not add boiling water! If I add water from the Evo I have to leave it with no choice. If i add from the Osmio the water is not as hot

Ernie1

Some great tips in the replies!

I’ve been meaning to post about temp and its importance in coffee to learn more about it, especially during espresso extraction.

I’ve harped on before about how consistently good and forgiving the LM is despite having basically no fancy features and I’m wondering if it’s because of a really solid temp stability.

I was always foolishly naive about the impact of temperature on coffee (of all types) with other variables taking priority but I’m learning it has a huge effect on output.

John_Yossarian

I always wait 10-15 minutes before I sip my double ristretto. At this (almost ambient) temperature I can “taste” the sweetness of the shot. At higher temperatures it is usually lost.

PortafilterProcrastinator

Ditto a lot of the comments here. I wait with both espresso and americano until just below 60deg. If I have time, then I stick a thermometer in and wait for it to get to about 58 before drinking.

That said, an espresso doesn’t last long at all once it is at a good temp.