An espresso maker and method of producing espresso, the espresso maker having a chamber to receive hot water and a coffee filter pod, the water and filter pod in the chamber being pressurized by an outside source of compressed gas to approximately 15 bar. The hot water is allowed to contact the filter pod for a short time prior to pressurization, and the chamber is maintained at the desired raised pressure for a short time after pressurization prior to opening of a manually operated release valve to allow flow of liquid through the filter pod and into a container, the release valve being adjustable as to flow rate.
