A good espresso is easier to prepare if you familiarise yourself with the three components of an espresso.

A quality espresso consists of three layers: the creamy layer, the main part and the heart. The creamy layer is located on the surface of the espresso and is the sweetest part of the espresso coffee. A good cream layer (crema) is golden brown in colour.
The main part of the espresso is the centre, which consists of a caramel-brown layer. The heart of the espresso is the layer at the bottom of the espresso cup and, with its bitterness, forms a perfect harmony with the sweet cream layer. The heart is a deep brown colour.

To be able to see the three layers clearly from the outside, you can pour the espresso into a small glass. The three colour layers can be easily distinguished and the quality of the espresso determined.