The espresso comes out really black at first. Is that normal?!
Answers: Is that the way it's supposed to be and is it okay to drink it?
It should be black at the bottom of the shot, which is called the heart, and then it as it rises (body and crema)it should become a lighter caramel color.
The bottom of the expresso should be very dark ... after all, you're using double roasted beans:) At the top, though, you'll have a light brown, foamy layer, which is called 'crema' .... it's all just fine to drink..... in fact, I think I need to make an expresso right now:)