Taste Coffee with Confidence
Notice aroma first, then acidity, sweetness, body, and finish. Use familiar comparisons, taste slowly, and remember that tasting notes are subjective descriptions.
Coffee tasting does not require expert vocabulary. Begin by noticing the aroma before sipping. As the coffee cools slightly, pay attention to acidity, sweetness, body, and the flavours that linger after swallowing. Acidity can feel lively or bright; body describes the weight or texture in your mouth; finish is what remains after the sip.
Tasting notes on a bag are prompts, not a test. A coffee described as citrusy may remind one person of orange and another of lemon, while someone else may simply find it bright. Compare two coffees brewed similarly and write down plain-language impressions. Over time, you may discover patterns in what you enjoy.
Step by Step
Step 1: Smell the freshly brewed coffee.
Smell the freshly brewed coffee.
Step 2: Take a small sip and notice its initial impression.
Take a small sip and notice its initial impression.
Step 3: As it cools, consider sweetness, acidity, and body.
As it cools, consider sweetness, acidity, and body.
Step 4: Write a few plain-language notes about the finish.
Write a few plain-language notes about the finish.
