Coffee-to-Water (or Milk) Ratios
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• Cappuccino: 1:7–9.5
• Macchiato: 1:1–1.2
• Americano: 1:4.5–6
• Cortado: 1:4.5–6
• Flat White: 1:3.5–5
• Café Latte: 1:12

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Brewing Recommendations

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Espresso with Light Roasts

• Use a higher water-to-coffee ratio to balance the delicate flavors.
• Freshness affects bean density and degassing, which in turn alters pressure during brewing. Adjust pressure (or flow rate) according to the freshness of the beans. Fresher beans are recommended for the best flavor, especially for light roasts, as their taste deteriorates more quickly over time.

Beans with Sharp Acidity

• To prevent imbalance and unpleasant flavors, use lower temperatures and pressure when brewing.

Milk Pairing Tips

• Light Roast Lattes: Use milk with low odor, relatively sweet, and high fat content. This helps neutralize acidity while preserving the light roast’s flavor profile.
• Dark Roast Lattes: Opt for lighter milk to achieve balance and a refreshing taste unless you prefer a rich, full-bodied flavor.

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AIM Flavor Latte Pairing Suggestions

• Gold1 vs. Huangman: For lattes, Gold1 is preferable due to its balanced profile, avoiding the overwhelming spice notes Huangman may exhibit under high pressure.
• Crema Lovers: Choose a very dark roast for pronounced crema.
• Kenya Espresso: Challenging and prone to failure (personal note: I’ve failed more than 30 times!).
• Sidamo vs. Yirgacheffe: Sidamo is better suited for light-roast lattes due to its harmonious flavors.

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Additional Tips and Observations

1. Brewing Flow:
   • Watch the flow from the brew head; it should descend smoothly from the center.
   • Uneven flow may indicate improper tamping or uneven distribution of grounds.
   • If water leaks from the edges of the brew head, the puck may be overfilled. Reduce the dose, especially for fresh dark-roast beans.
2. Static Reduction:
   • Spritz a small amount of water on beans before grinding to reduce static and prevent grounds from scattering.

Enjoy experimenting to create the perfect cup!

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