The Physics Of Espresso Coffee - Jonathan Gagne

The Physics of Espresso – Jonathan Gagné

The definitive guide to modern espresso science

If you love espresso and crave a deeper understanding of the why behind great coffee, The Physics of Espresso is the book you’ve been waiting for.

Written by Jonathan Gagné, this groundbreaking book sets a new standard for espresso science. Clear, practical, and deeply researched, it bridges the gap between academic coffee theory and real-world brewing.

Often seen as the modern successor to Illy’s classic “Espresso Coffee: The Science of Quality”, Gagné’s work goes further — giving baristas and enthusiasts actionable insights they can apply immediately at the espresso bar.

☕ Inside the Book

Using a combination of published research, mathematical models, and extensive experimentation, Jonathan explores the physics behind espresso extraction — from grind to cup.

Every topic is explained in a way that’s approachable yet scientifically rigorous, making it the go-to reference for anyone serious about espresso.

Chapters include:

• 💧 Water Chemistry – how minerals and pH affect flavor and extraction
• ⚙️ Espresso Extraction – what really happens inside the puck
• 🧠 Percolation Science – understanding flow and resistance
• ⚒️ Grinding & Particle Distribution – how grind affects pressure and taste
• 🪄 Puck Prep – distribution, tamping, and avoiding channeling
• ⏱️ Shot Dynamics – the science of time, flow, and yield
• 📈 Pressure & Flow Profiling – optimizing flavor and balance
• 🌿 Coffee Storage & Freshness – how to preserve aroma and consistency

📚 Book Details

• Author: Jonathan Gagné
• Language: English
• Pages: 191

👃 Why we recommend it at WB.coffee

At WB.coffee / Amsterdam Coffee Lab, we believe in connecting science and sensory.

This book perfectly reflects that — it’s essential reading for anyone who wants to understand espresso beyond recipes.

Whether you’re fine-tuning your , La Marzocco, Kees, ECM, Profitec, Lelit, Rocket or just exploring espresso theory, The Physics of Espresso will sharpen your technique and deepen your appreciation of coffee.

🧠 Perfect for

• Professional baristas refining their craft
• Coffee educators & sensory trainers
• Espresso enthusiasts & home baristas
• Curious coffee nerds who love data, graphs, and experiments

📍 Available at WB.coffee / Amsterdam Coffee Lab (Weesp)

Pick up your copy online or in-store and start your journey into espresso science today.

Pair it with our  WB.coffee espresso blends for the ultimate study session — theory meets practice ☕

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This product is designed to fit perfectly through your mailbox 📨, making delivery a breeze! You can opt for mailbox shipping only if every item in your order can fit through. 

If you have any doubts, feel free to reach out for clarification. For larger items, we highly recommend choosing a parcel point for a more convenient experience.

More about WB.coffee 

WB.coffee has been the number one resource for Coffee Books since 2018. Bundle your order in our one-stop-shop and save on shipping! 

This webshop started out of my love for coffee books, creating a one-stop shop for all the best coffee books. This book from Jonathan is recomended for people with basic knowledge and experience and a basic understanding of science.

Learn more about vacuum canisters & grinding freshly by clicking on the link with tips below ⬇

more tips from the CoffeeNose👃

Tip: add filters, coffee machine cleaner, descaler, tea, chocolate and coffee to your order. This way the shipping becomes more economical 🫰and sustainable 🌍, especially when shipping internationally.

Don't miss our bulk prices (staffelkorting) with the best price at 6 boxes!

Why not team up with family, colleagues, or coffee buddies for a group order? This way, you can save on shipping costs while promoting sustainability. Enjoy the advantages of our one-stop shopping experience with a best price guarantee.

Sending your package to a (Mondial Relay) parcel point might be a beneficial option for you.

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Coffee Omakase – The Ultimate Coffee Tasting Experience ☕

For the curious, the connoisseurs, and everyone who knows coffee can be more.

Have you ever walked out of a café disappointed — knowing your cup could have been so much better?

Then this experience is for you.

The Coffee Omakase @ Amsterdam Coffee Lab is a guided, multi-course coffee tasting designed for specialty coffee enthusiasts, flavor explorers, and curious coffee lovers alike.

Each session is unique, interactive, and bursting with discovery — like a live culinary performance, but for coffee.

What to Expect

During this exclusive sensory journey, you’ll:

☕ Taste a curated lineup of exceptional coffees — washed, natural, and experimental processing methods (think anaerobic, co-ferment, honey, and even wild fermentation projects).

🌸 Experience rare varietals — including legendary coffees like Geisha, and other micro-lot gems from around the world.

🔬 Explore multiple brew styles — from delicate filter brews and bold espressi to the mesmerizing syphon method.

🥄 Try your hand at cupping — slurp and taste coffee like a professional taster, discovering aromas and acidity in new ways.

🍹 Enjoy surprising coffee mocktails — creative and refreshing, crafted from the same beans you’ll taste in the lineup.

👃 Engage your senses fully — experience how the aroma, cup shape, color, and even the sound of pouring influence your flavor perception.

A Guided Journey by the CoffeeNose 👃

Led by Wouter Brunia, also known as the CoffeeNose 👃, this tasting is a deep dive into coffee flavor and sensory science.

Like a sommelier presenting fine wines, Wouter will:

• Brew each coffee live with expert precision
• Share the stories of each bean — from farm to fermentation
• Explain flavor notes, processing methods, and varietal differences
• Help you understand why your favorite coffee tastes the way it does

It’s fun for your brain, taste buds, and nose — and you’ll leave with a new appreciation for what’s in your cup.

Each Omakase is Unique

No two tastings are ever the same.

Our coffees rotate constantly and often include exclusive lots — such as Geisha, co-fermented experiments, and rare micro-lots you won’t find in cafés.

Every visit promises something unexpected, thought-provoking, and delicious.

Who It’s For

• Specialty coffee geeks craving depth and discovery
• Curious coffee lovers ready to learn (and taste!) something new
• Couples and friends looking for a unique sensory experience
• Anyone who wants to fall in love with coffee all over again

Details

📍 Location: Amsterdam Coffee Lab, Weesp

🕒 Duration: ±1.5–2 hours

👥 Group Size: Small & intimate for personal attention

🎟️ Booking: More info & reservations ⬇

Why Join?

Because coffee can be so much more than just caffeine — it’s chemistry, art, and emotion in a cup.

Join the Coffee Omakase Experience and taste what happens when curiosity meets craftsmanship.

Do you crave the excitement of discovering exquisite coffee flavors and captivating aromas? Don’t miss out on our exclusive Coffee Tasting Experience @ Amsterdam Coffee Lab, where you’ll not only indulge your senses but also gain valuable insights into the world of coffee. Join us for an unforgettable journey!

Join us for a fun and informative sensory experience revolving around coffee. During this experience you will: 

• Taste washed, natural and alternative processed coffee beans 
• Explore various varietals of Arabica coffee including the famous Gesha
• Discover different coffee brewing methods outside of standard espresso
  
• Savor surprising coffee mocktails
  
• Try cupping coffee: sample your coffee by slurping it from a spoon, just like an expert coffee taster would
  
• Experience how sensory elements such as aroma, size, shape, and color of the coffee cup affect flavor perception.
  

Similar to how a knowledgeable wine sommelier educates you about the wine and presents it at the perfect temperature in the right glass, our master barista and flavor expert will expertly brew your coffee while enlightening you about the entire process, the origin of the beans, varietals, the flavor notes, and much more.  Envision it as a live cooking demonstration, but dedicated entirely to the craft of coffee brewing.

Fun for your brain, taste buds and nose!

More info & booking ⬇

More info & booking

WB.coffee blends are roasted fresh on order. We roast with 100% renewable energy ☀ and 0% gas. For espresso, filter & cold brew.

• FC blend - Fruity & Chocolaty
• FF blend - Fruity & Floral
• FJ blend - Fruity & Juicy (coffee lovers favorite) 
• The Chocolatier's Brew - Choco & Praline (with love from Brazil) 
• VC blend - Vanilla & Caramel
• CN blend - Chocolaty & Nutty  (HoReCa besteseller) 

Chemical Free Decaffinated coffees

• AFD blend - Apple & Fudge Decaf
• CD blend - Caramel & Spices Decaf

Single Origin - limited editions Get in touch to find out what's available and get flavor recommendations based on your taste!

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Try 4 coffees with a Coffee Tasting Set. Available for filter and espresso with 4 blends or 4 single origin - limited edition coffees.

Not taking any risks? Try any blend (or all of them 🏃) from our tasting menu @ Amsterdam Coffee Lab in Weesp.

Order coffee

Filter coffee is not just a passing trend; it's a flavorful experience that you simply must try. If you travel often, you've likely seen this delightful brew making waves in Asia, Dubai, Berlin, the US, or even at that charming specialty coffee shop around the corner. Don't miss out on the chance to savor this exquisite coffee style!

Experience the timeless art of brewing just like your grandmother used to. We select only the finest coffee beans, ground fresh and brewed with precision, reminiscent of Walter's meticulous methods in Breaking Bad!

Filter coffee offers a wide array of flavors, ranging from rich nutty and chocolate notes to delicate floral and fruity undertones. We will sample various brews, and similar to wine tasting, you can choose to spit it out if you're sensitive to caffeine.

We will explore brewing methods such as Chemex, V60, Aeropress, along with French Press and Cold Brew.

Regardless of whether you are a seasoned coffee brewer or a newcomer to the craft, the insights and techniques you gain from this workshop will undoubtedly enhance your coffee-making skills.

We will concentrate on the brewing techniques listed earlier. If you use a different method, please feel free to bring it along, along with your (hand) grinder and scale.

Filter coffee is a delightful journey of flavors, ranging from rich nutty and chocolate undertones to vibrant floral and fruity notes. We will embark on an exciting tasting adventure, and remember, just like with fine wine, you have the option to spit it out if caffeine is a concern for you. Don't miss out on this experience!

Join us on this exciting journey where you will uncover:

• the secrets to selecting the finest coffee beans for your coffee experience

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• the art of grinding those beans to perfection for maximum flavor

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• how to craft a personalized recipe and technique that elevates your brewing game

​

• the importance of choosing the right water for an exceptional cup

​

• how to fine-tune your recipe to match your unique taste preferences

​

• the ideal coffee-to-water ratio that will transform your brew

​

• why filter coffee stands out as the healthiest brewing method, perfectly suited for any lifestyle

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• how to keep your brewing equipment pristine and free from any bacteria that could compromise your coffee's taste

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• the best practices for storing your coffee to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful

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• and a treasure trove of additional tips and tricks that will make you a coffee connoisseur

Learn more