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Our Naked Portafilter Has Arrived

We've officially joined the fraternity of coffeehouses that can create "espresso porn".

The_first_shot_with_the_naked_pf_off_cenOur shiny new naked portafilter arrived from Espresso Parts yesterday afternoon.  After unwrapping, cleaning and sterilizing it last night, we were ready to give it its maiden voyage this morning.  Belle had the honors while we went scrambling for the camera.

Close_up_of_our_first_naked_pf_shot_off__1While some swear that the taste and mouthfeel of Black Cat shots pulled by the naked portafilter are richer in body and smoother in taste, we did not experience a discernable difference in body or taste during our quick trials this morning.  Which is not to say there wasn't - we were a bit pressed for time and Belle admitted the first shot we pulled with the naked wasn't one of her best (although the second try seemed dead on).

Second_shot_with_naked_pf_dead_centerRegardless if it improves taste or not, we are not intending on using the naked portafilter as a matter of course.  We still have a lot of training to do with - and that's why we have it - for training. 

Using the naked portafilter exposes many flaws that might otherwise go unnoticed.  In conjunction with examing spent pucks, being able to see the shot develop allows us to identify problems with tamping consistency, channelling, screen clogs and in some cases mechanical problems.  In other words, using the naked portafilter as a training tool will enable us to further improve our quality standards.

And it makes for great photos.  Which means that in addition to upgrading our espresso skills, we're going to need a better camera.  Or at least a better photographer ==:-0

April 29, 2006 |

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