October 19, 2022
Similar to how winemakers partake in wine tastings, experts in the coffee industry have “coffee tastings.” However, potentially sampling multiple cups of coffee might lead to some negative side effects from excessive caffeine, which is why “cupping” has become the usual go-to method.
What is Cupping?
When coffee producers and buyers want to taste the quality of a batch of coffee, they start with cupping.
Fresh coffee grounds are brewed on the spot with
hot water (185-205ºF) and allowed to bloom for 3-5 minutes.
During this time frame, the coffee’s natural flavors will be extracted, and the brew will be allowed to sufficiently cool off.
Coffee that is too hot can burn your tongue but also prevent the brew’s taste notes from shining through.
The Method
Once your coffees have had enough time to bloom and cool off, you can take your first sip.
Swish the coffee around in your mouth to get the initial notes.
Discover if it’s chocolatey, nutty, fruity, or, worst case scenario, too bitter.
Next, spit your coffee out into a bucket, trash bin, or another mess-free container.
Most importantly, don’t forget to take notes about what you experienced.
If you tasted berries, which ones? If you got a hint of spices, was it cinnamon, cardamon, or black pepper?
The Factors
Every batch of coffee is influenced by its origins and environmental factors.
The specific region a batch comes from will provide unique taste notes, especially when it grows at certain altitudes and soil quality.
Make a well-rounded assessment of your coffee by thinking of these variables. Your Colombian Arabica that is grown at a high altitude should have fruitier and sweeter notes. Do they shine through? If not, did something go wrong in the roasting or brewing process?
How Often Should You Do This?
You can partake in cupping whenever you sample a new coffee roaster to get a sense of the batch’s flavor profile.
Cupping could also double as a fun activity to do with friends or people in your household who share a mutual interest in coffee roasting. As long as you are not consuming multiple batches of coffee in one sitting, cupping should be a harmless and enjoyable experience.
