Espresso is an art form. Full stop. We may be biased as avid coffee lovers and crafters, but we genuinely believe that there is a bad way to pull an espresso shot, and a good way. And when it’s good, it’s really good. As it stands, the espresso shot is deeply intertwined with its Italian heritage—we know a little something about this considering the House of Medici legacy we so aptly got our name from. This historic family not only shaped the cultural and political landscape of Italy but also laid the foundation for a rich coffee culture that continues to thrive today. We're especially fond of this history since we helped build that coffee culture for you here in Austin!
The History of Espresso
Our journey with espresso starts with its rich history, tracing back to Italy in the early 20th century. The invention of the espresso machine by Luigi Bezzera in 1901 revolutionized coffee drinking, creating a method to brew coffee quickly while capturing its full flavor and aroma.
Luigi Bezzera’s Espresso Machine
Espresso took hold, and quickly became a daily ritual in Italian culture. The term "espresso" means "pressed out" in Italian, referring to the process of forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. This method extracts the coffee's rich flavors and creates a thick, creamy layer of crema on top, which is a hallmark of a well-pulled shot.
Espresso is many things, however it is not a roast profile, not a blend of coffee, and above all, it is not pronounced EXpresso (feel free to write that down). Espresso is made good by a balanced extraction. There are elements of sweetness, bitterness, and acidity in espresso. You want these elements to complement one another, have body, and have a pleasant finish.
Preparation Methods
We honor the perfect-espresso-shot-legacy by using the La Marzocco espresso machine. However, there are various espresso preparation methods:
- Traditional Espresso Machine: This method requires the skill and precision reminiscent of Renaissance artistry, balancing pressure, temperature, and grind size.
- Stovetop Moka Pot: A staple in Italian households, the Moka Pot is an homage to traditional brewing techniques.
- AeroPress: Combining modern innovation with classic principles, the AeroPress allows for versatile and rich espresso-like coffee.
Perfecting Our Espresso Shots
At Medici Roasting, we take our espresso shot methods seriously, and we’re dedicated to serving quality espresso every time. Here’s how we achieve perfection:
- Sourcing: We select only the finest beans, sourced ethically from farmers who uphold the values of excellence and sustainability.
- Roasting: Our roasters, akin to Renaissance craftsmen, develop profiles that highlight each bean's unique characteristics.
- Grinding: Precision is key, and our grinders are calibrated to ensure the perfect consistency for optimal extraction.
- Brewing: Our baristas, like the artisans of Florence, meticulously adjust each variable to pull the perfect shot.
Each shot of Medici espresso embodies our commitment to quality and our reverence for its—and our—Italian heritage. It is a bridge between the past and present, bringing a taste of history with every sip. Whether you enjoy it straight or as a base for your favorite coffee drink, our espresso is a celebration of tradition, innovation, and passion.
Join us at Medici Roasting and immerse yourself in the world of espresso. From seasoned espresso aficionados to newcomers, there's always something new to discover in the rich, complex world of espresso.