Ever wondered how people pick out notes like “green grape” or “brown sugar” in coffee? Tasting coffee is a journey of the senses, and we’ve got some quick tips to help you sip like a pro.
Step 1: Set the Scene & Pick Your Coffee
Start by choosing a quiet moment with minimal distractions. Grab a single-origin coffee with distinct flavours, like our filter Ethiopia Kaffa Wush Wush, which offers notes of guava, blueberry, and vanilla. Freshly ground beans will help you catch every nuance.
Step 2: Engage Your Senses
Look at the coffee’s color and clarity – it hints at roast level and strength. Then, smell the aroma before sipping; it’s the first preview of flavors, revealing sweet, floral, or fruity hints. Swirling the coffee helps release more aromatic notes, giving you a better idea of what’s to come.
Step 3: Sip & Slurp
Take a sip and slurp a little as it enters your mouth – it might feel funny, but this aerates the coffee, spreading it across your taste buds. Try to identify the flavors: do you taste any sweetness (like brown sugar), fruitiness (like green grape), or acidity (like citrus)? Describe them in your own words – there’s no “right” answer!
Step 4: Notice Mouthfeel and Finish
Feel the texture: is it light and clean or rich and creamy? Lastly, notice the “finish,” or aftertaste. Does a hint of apricot or chocolate linger? The finish gives you one last glimpse of the coffee’s complexity, evolving as it fades.
Tasting coffee is a skill that grows with practice, so keep experimenting! Each cup offers a new flavor experience, making every sip a little adventure.
Happy tasting from the Stash Team!