What is the ideal shot window for espresso at Black Rock Coffee Bar?

The ideal shot window for espresso at Black Rock Coffee Bar is between 18 to 25 seconds. This timing is crucial for extracting the best flavors from the coffee grounds during brewing. A shot pulled within this window ensures that the espresso has a balanced flavor profile, achieving a rich crema and avoiding over-extraction or under-extraction.

Extraction time is important because if the shot takes less than 18 seconds, it may result in a sour taste due to under-extraction, where the water hasn't had enough time to extract the full range of flavors from the coffee. Conversely, a shot that takes longer than 25 seconds can lead to over-extraction, making the espresso taste bitter and unpleasant. Thus, the 18 to 25 seconds range is optimal for achieving that ideal shot of espresso with a well-rounded taste and pleasant aroma.