I'm an old fart. One of the things that goes with age, they say, is you start losing sense of smell, and thus taste. I don't notice the difference in taste of Decafe, much at all, and not in espresso drinks. Remember? The early (1950s '60s) decafes were "instant". Ugh. Phew.
IF: I get local roast, not national brands. (Sorry, Hills Brothers) That may make a difference. I tend to buy the darker-stronger coffees, French Roast, and so forth. Not sure what would happen if you put more grounds in the coffee machine. Same liquid amount, more coffee flavor?