Allongé Espresso (Allonge)

Profile-based espresso •Espresso × filter hybrid •Designed for clarity over intensity •Much easier to dial in than traditional espresso •Reduces sourness in light roasts •Very forgiving to grind and puck prep •Ideal for showcasing origin character •Lower perceived bitterness and heaviness

Background knowledge:

• Lighter roasts taste better at higher flow rates, highlighting fruit acids.
• Allongé and Turbo shots exaggerate fruit acids, while slow shots are mellower.
• Shorter shots tone down bitterness in dark roasts.
• Italians adjust roast level and shot length based on location: darker/shorter in the South, lighter/longer in the North.
• Paper filters can help mitigate channeling.

Variations or adjustments:

• Grind: slightly coarser than standard espresso
• Turbo shots: a shorter version of the Allongé at a very high flow rate.
• Adjusting grind and dose can lead to confusion; focus on flow rate, pressure, and ratio.
• Dilute filter coffee to achieve desired strength (TDS).
• Updosing and careful puck prep can improve Allongé quality.