Episode Five: Are Long Yields in Espresso Worth the Hype?

Welcome back to After Hours Coffee Stories: Specialty Coffee Journeys and Insights, the blog series where coffee enthusiasts, professionals, and curious brewers come together to explore the art and science of specialty coffee. In this episode, we’re tackling a brewing trend sparking heated debate: long yield espresso shots.

Are long yields the future of espresso, or are they just compensating for flawed extractions and diluted coffee strength? Let’s explore—and while we’re at it, check out our espresso coffee collection to experiment with your own brews.

What Are Long Yields in Espresso?

A long yield espresso refers to a shot with a higher brew ratio, often 1:3 or beyond (e.g., 18g of coffee in, 54g of espresso out). This approach can result in a lighter, tea-like strength and greater clarity, offering a stark contrast to the traditional 1:2 ratio that creates a more intense, syrupy espresso.

Advocates argue that long yields can highlight the subtleties of a coffee, especially in lighter roasted, high-quality beans. Critics, however, claim that it often leads to over-extraction, muted flavours, and diluted strength.

The Challenges of Long Yields

At After Hours Coffee, we believe the key question isn’t just about ratios but about limitations. Are we truly equipped to perfect long yields?

1. Technological Limits: Most espresso machines struggle to maintain stable pressure and temperature for long yields. This can impact the consistency and quality of the extraction.
2. Scientific Challenges: Achieving balanced extraction in a long yield is tricky, often resulting in overly bitter or hollow cups.
3. Biological Factors: Our taste buds are naturally wired to appreciate balance and intensity, which are harder to achieve in a diluted extraction.

While long yields can be a creative tool, they demand precise equipment, skill, and an understanding of your coffee's unique characteristics.

How to Experiment with Long Yields

Curious to try long yields yourself? Here’s a recipe to get you started:

1. Dose: 18g of coffee
2. Brew Ratio: 1:3 (e.g., 54g output)
3. Brew Time: ~30 seconds

We recommend starting with one of our bright and fruit-forward single origins like even a filter roast like Los Nogales. These beans are roasted to balance complexity and clarity, making them perfect for experimentation.

Our Commitment to Quality

At After Hours Coffee, our philosophy is about bringing out the best in every coffee. Whether you prefer short, intense espressos or are exploring experimental techniques, our coffee collection offers something for every palate. We can curate filter roast to espresso roast to your liking, please contact us for this arrangement.

Our roast-to-order model ensures your coffee arrives fresh, with all the flavour nuances intact—whether you’re brewing a classic shot or pushing the boundaries with long yields.