Tasting coffee professionally, also known as cupping, is a method used by coffee experts to evaluate the flavors, aromas, and qualities of coffee beans. It’s a systematic process that helps identify the unique characteristics of different coffee origins, roasts, and brewing methods.
In this guide, we’ll teach you how to taste coffee like a pro. You’ll learn the basics of cupping, how to identify different flavors, and how to improve your coffee-tasting skills at home.
What is Coffee Cupping?
Coffee cupping is a controlled tasting process where coffee is brewed using a consistent method, and tasters evaluate the coffee based on its flavor, aroma, acidity, body, aftertaste, and balance. Cupping is an essential tool for roasters and coffee producers to assess the quality of coffee beans and understand their flavor profiles.
The process involves brewing coffee without any filters (using just water and ground coffee) and then tasting it at various stages to identify the different attributes.
What You Need to Cupping Coffee
To get started with cupping, you don’t need much equipment, but the basics are essential for an accurate tasting experience.
Essential Equipment
✔ Coffee Beans – Use freshly roasted, high-quality coffee beans from different origins for variety.
✔ Grinder – A burr grinder is best for consistent ground size.
✔ Hot Water – Clean, filtered water heated to about 200°F (93°C).
✔ Cups or Bowls – Cupping requires shallow cups or bowls that hold approximately 6 oz of water.
✔ Spoons – For tasting and evaluating the coffee.
✔ Timer – To monitor brewing times and keep consistency.
✔ Notebook – To jot down tasting notes and observations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cupping Coffee
Step 1: Measure and Grind the Coffee
- Weigh your coffee – The standard ratio for cupping is 8.25g of coffee per 6 oz of water.
- Grind the coffee – Use a medium-coarse grind (similar to sea salt) for even extraction.
Step 2: Brew the Coffee
- Boil water and let it cool slightly to around 200°F (93°C).
- Add the ground coffee to the cups or bowls.
- Pour the hot water over the coffee, fully saturating the grounds.
- Let it steep for 4 minutes. Do not stir. This allows the coffee to “bloom” and extract evenly.
Step 3: Break the Crust and Smell the Coffee
- After 4 minutes, a layer of coffee grounds will form on top, known as the “crust.”
- Break the crust by gently pushing it with a spoon, releasing the trapped aromas.
- Smell the coffee as you break the crust. Note any aromas like fruity, floral, nutty, earthy, or chocolaty.
Step 4: Taste the Coffee
- Spoon the coffee – After breaking the crust, use a spoon to sample the coffee.
- Slurp the coffee – Take a spoonful of coffee and slurp it into your mouth. This helps aerate the coffee and distribute the flavors evenly across your palate.
- Evaluate the coffee – Pay attention to acidity, body, flavor, and aftertaste.
How to Evaluate Coffee Like a Pro
When tasting coffee, there are five main characteristics to assess:
1. Aroma
The smell of the coffee can tell you a lot about its freshness and flavor. Take a deep breath before tasting. Does it smell fruity, nutty, floral, or spicy?
2. Acidity
Acidity gives coffee its brightness and liveliness. A coffee with high acidity will feel crisp and tangy, while low-acid coffee will taste smoother and richer.
3. Body
The body refers to the weight and texture of the coffee in your mouth. Does the coffee feel light and watery, or is it full-bodied and creamy?
4. Flavor
Flavor is the overall taste of the coffee, which is a combination of acidity, body, sweetness, and any distinctive flavors. A high-quality coffee will have a complex flavor profile with multiple tasting notes.
5. Aftertaste (Finish)
Aftertaste refers to the flavor that lingers after you’ve swallowed the coffee. Is it smooth or does it leave a bitter or sour note? A pleasant aftertaste is usually a sign of a well-balanced coffee.
Common Coffee Tasting Terms
When cupping, it’s helpful to understand the terminology used to describe coffee’s flavors and characteristics:
✔ Bright: A lively, tangy acidity that gives the coffee a crisp, fresh taste.
✔ Complex: A coffee with multiple, often layered, flavors that evolve as you taste.
✔ Clean: A coffee free from undesirable flavors, often a sign of high-quality beans and processing.
✔ Smooth: A well-rounded coffee with a consistent flavor and texture, often without too much acidity.
✔ Earthy: A flavor characteristic often found in coffees grown in specific regions, giving the coffee an earthy or rustic taste.
How to Record Your Tasting Notes
When cupping, it’s essential to take detailed notes on each coffee you taste. Here’s what to note:
- Origin – Where is the coffee from? (Ethiopia, Colombia, Guatemala, etc.)
- Roast Level – Is it light, medium, or dark roast?
- Flavor Profile – What flavors do you notice (fruity, nutty, floral, chocolate)?
- Acidity – Is it bright and lively or smooth and mellow?
- Body – Is it full-bodied, creamy, or light?
- Aftertaste – Does the flavor linger pleasantly or fade quickly?
How to Improve Your Coffee-Tasting Skills
- Practice Regularly – The more you cup, the more you’ll refine your ability to detect flavors and aromas.
- Use Different Coffee Varieties – Taste coffees from different regions, roasts, and processing methods to expand your flavor knowledge.
- Compare and Contrast – Tasting multiple coffees side-by-side allows you to notice subtle differences and hone your palate.
- Join a Coffee Tasting Group – Learning with others can help improve your tasting skills and increase your knowledge of coffee.
Conclusion: Taste Coffee Like a Pro
Coffee cupping is an excellent way to explore and appreciate the complex world of coffee. By tasting coffee like a professional, you can enhance your ability to identify flavors and characteristics, whether you’re enjoying a cup at home or evaluating beans for purchase.
So, grab your coffee, start cupping, and enjoy the journey of discovering new coffee flavors!