Can Coffee Beans for Americano Be Used for Espresso? Does Espresso from Americano Beans Taste Good?

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Comparing Drip Coffee and Espresso-Based Americano

Is espresso too strong for you, while you prefer the smoothness of Americano? Which is better - drip-brewed Americano or espresso-based Americano? Can coffee beans suitable for drip coffee machines be used for espresso? This article offers the following analysis.

Assuming we're using the same package of drip coffee beans, with the same water quality, same extraction rate, and similar concentration, the main differences between the two methods primarily come from variations in temperature, pressure, and filter type.

Filter Differences

Espresso machine portafilters contain pinholes that maximize the extraction of oils, resulting in better body and richness compared to drip coffee machines.

Drip coffee machines come in two types: one uses paper filters, the other uses metal mesh. Paper filters tend to trap most oils and coffee solids, reducing body but delivering clarity. Metal mesh retains more oils than paper, but with pressure far below that of espresso machines, oil extraction cannot match espresso extraction.

Temperature Variations

Espresso machines offer adjustable and highly stable temperatures, typically set between 92-96°C. Once set, they maintain remarkable consistency (this applies to espresso machines with independent temperature control systems for the brewing head). Temperature instability in lower-end machines due to construction issues is another topic entirely.

With drip coffee machines, I've measured one model where temperature wasn't constant - it rose from 82°C to 92°C by the end of extraction. Non-constant temperature systems can deliver better flavor complexity, while constant temperature systems provide better body and sweetness. Additionally, drip brewing is easily affected by room temperature.

Pressure Differences

Espresso extraction typically occurs at 9 atmospheres of pressure, extracting flavor compounds and oils in a short time.

Drip brewing relies only on local atmospheric pressure but extends extraction time, achieving comparable extraction rates. The most significant difference brought by pressure is in oil extraction.

Portafilter vs. Drip Basket Differences

This leads to differences in extraction efficiency, though we initially assumed extraction rates would be similar. However, according to Matt Perger's concept of even extraction, portafilters provide more uniform extraction than cone or basket-shaped drip filters. This means portafilters further enhance sweetness.

Conclusion: Comparing Results

In summary, under assumed conditions - the same drip coffee beans, same atmospheric pressure, same room temperature, same water, same extraction rate, and similar concentration - the results would show the following differences:

Americano from espresso extraction systems offers a rounded mouthfeel, rich body, and better sweetness.

Americano from drip extraction systems provides layered flavors, clarity, slight flatness, and mild astringency.

Of course, this assumes you can achieve proper extraction with espresso.

This analysis hasn't yet explored how roast degree affects both systems, which could be discussed further if interested.

For those with less sensitive palates, these differences may not be perceptible. If you're interested in refined tasting, continue practicing - after all, it adds considerable enjoyment, so why not?

Recommended Americano Coffee Bean Brands

FrontStreet Coffee's roasted popular Americano coffee beans include Yirgacheffe Coffee, Golden Mandheling Coffee, and Brazil Coffee, all with excellent brand and quality assurance. More importantly, they offer exceptional value - a half-pound (227g) package costs only around 70-90 yuan. Calculating at 15g per pour-over, one package can make about 15 cups of coffee, with each Americano costing only 5-6 yuan. Compared to café prices that often reach dozens of yuan per cup, this represents extremely high value.

END FrontStreet Coffee: A roastery in Guangzhou with a small storefront but diverse bean varieties, where you can find both famous and lesser-known beans. Online services are also available. https://shop104210103.taobao.com

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473