From my experience with espresso, dialing in the right dose and timing is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavor. I used an 18g dose of La Armonia beans, which were roasted about 18 days ago, and pulled a shot lasting 31 seconds, yielding 37.4 grams. Although the taste was more balanced, I noticed my reaction time in the morning sometimes slowed me down, affecting the shot consistency. When using the Breville Barista Express, adjusting grind size and dose slightly can make a significant difference. For example, a grind setting of 2 worked well for me to extract a flavorful shot without over or under-extraction. However, I realized that being prompt in stopping the shot at the right time is equally important to avoid bitterness or sourness. If you find your mornings sluggish, like I do, setting a consistent routine for your espresso pulls can help improve your timing. Also, experimenting with dose slightly higher than 18g might deepen the flavor complexity. Remember, freshness of beans like these La Armonia ones also impacts taste, so tracking roast date is a good practice. Overall, patience and iterative adjustments are key. Embrace the process, and you'll enjoy a richer, more balanced espresso that kickstarts your day just right.