Brewing Mastery at Home: Bert’s Journey with the Brua3 Max

HOME BARISTA BIO #1

Bert | 44 | Toronto, Canada | @bertofcoffee (Instagram)

At Newton Espresso, we love seeing our community embrace the art of manual espresso brewing. One passionate home barista, Bert from Toronto, Canada, has been perfecting his espresso craft with the Brua3 Max. His journey is one of dedication, precision, and discovery—a true testament to the beauty of brewing at home.

“I got serious about espresso about five years ago,” Bert shares. “The process is both an art and a science, and I was drawn to the challenge of mastering it.” What started as a casual interest quickly evolved into a dedicated pursuit of the perfect shot. Now, his morning ritual consists of two well-crafted espressos—one first thing in the morning and another in the afternoon, with no room for decaf in his routine.

To achieve consistency in his brews, Bert follows a precise routine he calls his "Order of Operations." He explains, “I follow the same steps every time—from grinding and dosing to tamping and pre-infusion. It ensures repeatable, high-quality results.” His preferred brew ratio hovers between 2:1 and 2.5:1, carefully adjusted based on the beans he’s using, which usually takes 2-3 attempts to dial in perfectly.

Experimentation is a key part of Bert’s espresso journey. With the Brua3 Max, he enjoys exploring different pre-infusion times and pressure applications to unlock new flavours. “I love playing with pressure profiles,” he says. “The Brua3 Max makes it so easy to adjust and see how different techniques affect extraction.” The pressure gauge serves as his guide, helping him maintain steady extractions and avoid inconsistencies in his shots. The Niche Zero grinder has become his go-to companion, providing him with precise grind size control to match his brewing style.

Accuracy is also a fundamental principle in Bert’s approach to espresso. “I always use a scale,” he states. “Even small changes in dose or yield can make a huge difference in taste.” He relies on the Bookoo scale to weigh his coffee grounds and espresso yield, ensuring that every variable is carefully accounted for.

When it comes to coffee selection, Bert has a clear favourite—Ethiopian beans. “They’re my go-to,” he admits. “The bright acidity and fruit notes make for an incredibly flavourful espresso.” To fellow home baristas, he emphasises the importance of a good scale, especially for those just starting out. “A scale is a must. It makes dialling in and maintaining consistency so much easier.”

Among all the features of the Brua3 Max, Bert appreciates its precision and control the most. “It’s simple, reliable, and beautifully designed,” he says. “The control it gives me over the brewing process is what really sets it apart.” He has learned through experience that the best espresso is the one that suits your taste, encouraging others to experiment and brew the way they enjoy it most.

For those hesitant to try manual espresso brewing, Bert’s advice is simple—don’t be intimidated. “At first, it might seem complicated,” he acknowledges, “but with a little practice, you’ll start to appreciate the process. The control you have over your coffee is incredibly rewarding.”

As an active member of the coffee community, Bert values the collective knowledge and camaraderie shared among home baristas. “The coffee community is full of wonderful people who love to share their knowledge,” he says. “Don’t hesitate to ask questions, learn, and most importantly—enjoy the journey!”

Conclusion

Bert’s story exemplifies the rewarding nature of manual espresso brewing. His dedication to consistency, experimentation, and precision is exactly what makes the Brua3 Max the perfect fit for passionate coffee lovers. If you're considering making the switch to manual espresso, take inspiration from Bert’s journey—embrace the process, enjoy the craft, and savor every sip along the way!

Stay tuned for more Home Barista Profiles, and if you’d like to share your own story, reach out to us! Happy brewing!