Taste, of course, is subjective, but overall flavor is determined by several factors, from how you prepare your drink to the blend and roast of the coffee used to make your drink. In general, you can expect much more intense and complex flavors than you would get from a cup of Joe. If you’re using a light roast coffee, you can expect bright, fruity flavors. A medium roast will be more chocolate and nutty. A dark roast will be smokey and savory.
Serving temperature can be a sore subject for those unfamiliar with espresso, especially if they’re used to piping hot coffee on the go. Espresso is served hot, but not quite as hot as brewed coffee. Generally, espresso is allowed some time to cool down (an important part in developing the flavors in your drink) and is served at about 160°F. Compare that to drip coffee which is brewed at about 200°F and consumed as soon as the pot is full.
There are many variables that may cause issues with the taste of your espresso. Ask your service tech about maintenance suggestions. Cleaning your shower screen may help remove that gross taste. Your water lines may also have hard water deposits. This could affect flavor as well as brew pressure. Proper espresso machine repair leads to proper espresso.
