I enjoy your mention of strength of spirit, because I rather feel that people who drink coffee are too weak of spirit to handle espresso :-) Give me a few shot

I enjoy your mention of strength of spirit, because I rather feel that people who drink coffee are too weak of spirit to handle espresso :-) Give me a few shots of straight, black espresso. Perhaps with a little whipped cream on top if I'm in the mood. Very easy to make quality espresso in the home with modern pre-ground capsule machines. If you also like coffee black, I recommend giving espresso a try. Unfortunately there is quite a lot of variation in what coffee houses serve. Some indie shops serve espresso that is extremely bitter and not smooth; in my opinion these are not well made. I usually prefer the espresso made by larger chains or capsule machines. It is heavy on industrial consistency and quality control, with less emphasis on artistry (more relevant in mixed espresso drinks). Good espresso by my taste is strong and smooth, and only very marginally bitter, and at that only as an after taste.