Why did my shot gush then stall?
This usually indicates channeling (water finding a path of least resistance). Check your distribution and tamping. The shot may taste both sour and bitter.Does tamp pressure matter?
Consistent tamp pressure matters more than absolute pressure. Too light can cause channeling, too heavy can cause stalling. Aim for consistent, moderate pressure.Why does changing beans change grind?
Different beans have different densities, oil content, and roast levels. Darker roasts are more porous and extract faster, so you may need coarser grind. Lighter roasts are denser and extract slower, so you may need finer grind.