One Thing to Try This Week
When I was first starting out, figuring out my dose felt like I needed to be a lab tech just to know I wasn't operating blindfolded. Eventually I learned I could use just my sight to get the right dose.
The precision crowd screams about 18g, but the reality is there's some flex in that number. Hit the right range and you're good to go.
Here's what I do now. I grind right into the portafilter basket and fill it up with a loose mound over the rim. Looks like a bowl of rice - loose, piled, not packed. Even if it spills a bit, it's very hard to overdose when you grind straight in. You'd need to tap the basket or tamp it down to make room.
Give it a shot.
What Hit This Week
An Instagram tip aimed at Bambino owners: pop out the black plastic disc inside your portafilter and clean the gunk hiding underneath. 4,963 views, 3 saves, 6 shares.
Simple, specific, and machine-aware. Small tips like this are what got me through the frustration of getting started.
The Precision Trap
Last week I posted my puck prep - grind straight into the basket, level the mound, tamp, pull. The precision crowd came out swinging. "This is the worst puck prep I've ever seen." "Disgusting."
They see clumpy grinds and some spillage and think you need a WDT, a distribution tool, and a dose funnel. Those help the prep look pretty for socials. They aren't necessary for great espresso.
That prep, on a Baratza Encore and a Breville Bambino, pulled a great shot. That's what matters.
Build Notes
Two experiments this week. Testing new video ad variations alongside static ads that have been outperforming lately. Trying to figure out if that flips back the other way with fresh creative. Also picking up a bag of CafƩ Bustelo whole bean after a reader flagged it in the comments. It's a traditional household brand I've never pulled a shot with. Curious how it holds up.
If the Brief is giving you value, tell me. If it's not, tell me that too.
Reader Question
What's the one espresso accessory you bought that you're not sure actually makes a difference?
Reply to the email. Best answers featured in future content with a shout-out.
- The Manual Method
P.S. If dosing by sight clicks, Watch the Color is the same idea applied to shot timing. Free, one page. Get it here.
