What does it mean to "dial in" coffee?

"Dialing in" coffee refers to the process of fine-tuning the brewing variables to achieve the desired flavor profile and extraction quality of the coffee. This typically involves adjusting the grind size, the amount of coffee (dose), and the extraction time during brewing. Each of these factors significantly influences the final taste of the coffee, and making precise adjustments allows baristas to optimize the brewing method for the specific beans being used and the brewing equipment at hand.

For example, if the coffee tastes sour, a barista might adjust the grind to be finer, which can increase extraction time and enhance the flavor balance, pushing it towards a more pleasing profile. Conversely, if the coffee tastes overly bitter, coarser grind could be used to decrease extraction.

In contrast, brewing coffee in large batches, serving coffee with a menu, or presenting coffee in decorative forms do not directly relate to the technical adjustments needed for achieving the ideal extraction and flavor through the dialing-in process. These concepts focus more on serving and presentation rather than the critical adjustments that define dialing in coffee.