Tasting coffee like a specialist requires more than just sipping it. Coffee tasting, also known as “cupping,” is an art form that allows you to evaluate the flavors, aroma, body, acidity, and aftertaste of coffee. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or a budding barista, learning how to taste coffee professionally can help you appreciate the nuances of each cup. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of tasting coffee like a specialist.
What is Coffee Tasting (Cupping)?
Coffee tasting, or cupping, is a standardized method used by coffee professionals to evaluate the quality and flavor of coffee beans. Cupping allows tasters to assess various attributes of the coffee, including its aroma, flavor, body, acidity, and aftertaste. This method is typically used by roasters, importers, and coffee buyers to judge the quality of coffee beans before they are purchased and sold.
- Cupping Process: Cupping involves brewing coffee in a specific way, using a precise amount of coffee and water, and then tasting it systematically to evaluate its flavor profile.
- Standardization: The cupping process is standardized to ensure that all tasters use the same method, allowing for consistent comparisons of different coffees.
The Basic Steps of Coffee Cupping
Here are the basic steps involved in tasting coffee like a specialist:
1. Prepare the Coffee Beans
Start by selecting fresh, high-quality coffee beans. For cupping, it’s important to use beans that are roasted to a medium level, as this allows the flavors to be fully expressed during the tasting process. You should also grind the beans just before cupping to preserve their freshness.
- Grind Size: Use a coarse grind, similar to the texture of sea salt, as this allows for proper extraction during the cupping process.
- Amount of Coffee: Use 12 grams of coffee for each 200 ml (6.8 oz) of water.
2. Heat the Water
Boil fresh water, then let it cool for a few minutes. The ideal temperature for cupping is between 195°F and 205°F (90°C to 96°C), which is just below boiling. Too hot of water can cause over-extraction, while water that’s too cool will result in under-extraction.
- Tip: If you’re using a thermometer, aim for 200°F (93°C) for the best extraction.
3. Smell the Dry Coffee Grounds
Before adding water, take a moment to smell the dry coffee grounds. This step allows you to assess the coffee’s fragrance and start identifying its aroma. Some coffees will have fruity, floral, or nutty notes, while others might have earthy, spicy, or chocolatey aromas.
- What to Look For: Try to detect the intensity and complexity of the aroma. A high-quality coffee will often have a distinct, pleasant fragrance.
4. Pour Water Over the Coffee
Once the water has reached the correct temperature, pour it over the ground coffee in each cup. Pour steadily, making sure to cover all the coffee grounds evenly. Let the coffee steep for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Tip: As the coffee steeps, it will form a crust on top. Don’t disturb this crust yet—it holds a lot of the coffee’s aroma.
5. Break the Crust and Smell the Coffee
After 3 to 4 minutes, break the crust with a spoon. As you do, take a deep sniff to inhale the aroma released from the coffee. This step helps you evaluate the coffee’s fragrance and gives you a chance to assess its aroma again as it’s been released into the air.
- What to Look For: Pay attention to any changes in the aroma after breaking the crust. Good-quality coffee will have a complex, fragrant aroma that may change over time.
6. Taste the Coffee
Now it’s time to taste the coffee. Use a spoon to slurp the coffee from the cup. Slurping allows the coffee to spread evenly across your palate, allowing you to assess its full flavor profile.
- What to Look For: When tasting, evaluate the coffee’s flavor, body, acidity, and aftertaste. Pay attention to the balance and how each attribute interacts with the others.
Flavor:
- The flavor refers to the overall taste of the coffee, including both the acidity and the sweetness. High-quality coffee should have a balanced, pleasant flavor that is distinct and full-bodied.
Body:
- The body refers to the texture and mouthfeel of the coffee. It describes how thick or thin the coffee feels in your mouth. A full-bodied coffee will feel heavier and more satisfying, while a lighter-bodied coffee will feel more delicate.
Acidity:
- Acidity is a crucial aspect of coffee flavor. It refers to the brightness or sharpness that some coffees have, often described as citrusy, fruity, or wine-like. A good coffee will have a balanced acidity that enhances the overall flavor without being overpowering.
Aftertaste:
- The aftertaste, or “finish,” is the lingering flavor that remains in your mouth after swallowing. A good coffee will have a pleasant aftertaste that lasts for a few seconds, while lower-quality coffee may have a harsh or unpleasant aftertaste.
7. Evaluate the Coffee’s Balance
Finally, evaluate the overall balance of the coffee. A well-balanced coffee will have a good combination of flavor, body, acidity, and aftertaste. Each attribute should complement the others, creating a harmonious cup of coffee.
- What to Look For: Consider whether the coffee is well-rounded or if any one attribute stands out too much. A great coffee will have a harmonious balance of all the attributes.
Tips for Tasting Coffee Like a Specialist
- Use Clean Equipment: Always make sure your cups, spoons, and grinders are clean to avoid any contamination of flavors.
- Take Notes: Write down your observations about the coffee’s aroma, flavor, body, and acidity. This will help you compare different coffees and remember the flavors you enjoy.
- Taste with Friends: Coffee tasting can be more fun and insightful when done with others. You can discuss your impressions and learn from different perspectives.
- Keep Practicing: Like any skill, tasting coffee like a specialist takes practice. The more you taste and evaluate coffee, the better you’ll become at identifying its nuances.
Conclusion
Tasting coffee like a specialist allows you to appreciate the complexities of coffee and understand the various factors that contribute to its flavor. By following the cupping process and evaluating the coffee’s aroma, flavor, body, acidity, and aftertaste, you can gain a deeper appreciation for each cup of coffee. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or a professional, learning how to taste coffee properly will elevate your coffee experience and help you discover new and exciting flavors.