Every
coffee is unique, and there’s a world of complex flavours to explore. There are so many different varieties and
subtle nuances that coffee tasting is a lot like wine tasting.
With
numerous diverse aromas and flavours of coffee available these days, we thought
we would help by uncovering what the tastes are made up of and where they come
from. You might want to find out as well before you take your next sip and
breathe in your coffee’s unique smells.
If
possible – start by smelling the fresh grounds, and then compare the fragrance
to the bouquet of the brew. Beyond the
unmistakable smell of coffee, you’ll probably notice other recognisable scents
e.g. wood, berries, earth and spices.
Although every coffee has its own unique flavours and qualities, there
are a few fundamental concepts and known regional profiles that would be
helpful for you to be familiar with when visiting your local coffee shop, or
even if you're just trying them out at home.
Basic Coffee Characteristics
Flavour
The
tastes and aromas of coffee are as varied as those of wine. You will pick up
these subtleties in its fragrance and on your tongue, such as chocolate, fruit,
flowers, nuts, soil, and spice.
Body
A
coffee's body is the way it feels in your mouth. The best way to evaluate body
is to take a small sip and let it rest on your tongue to get an impression of
its weight and texture.
Acidity
It
sounds unappealing, but acidity is actually a desirable quality in coffee.
Unrelated to pH levels, palate acidity indicates the liveliness or brightness
of flavour. This is like having a Crab Linguine without putting a squeeze of
fresh lemon on it, without it, it would taste flat and dull, just like coffee
can be.
Regional Differences
The Americas grow coffee known for
their clean mouth feel and slightly sweet, lively acidity. In some, the acidity
sparkles clearly above all else; in others, it provides a subtle but crisp
accent.
Africa & Arabia produce coffees that
exhibit a wide range of flavours, from mellow and wine-like to zesty with
citrus notes. They often have a sweetness reminiscent of fresh fruit, which is
sometimes balanced by a tart acidity.
Indo-Pacific coffees tend to taste more
rustic and earthy. They're generally rich and full-bodied, with nutty, smoky,
or herbal flavours. Most varieties from this region are smooth in acidity with
a slightly dry finish.
You
will discover that no two beans are alike.
At first, you cannot tell the difference between coffee beans, but as
you get more experienced with coffee, you will find that they are like wine;
with distinct bodies and taste. Try to
explore the different coffee flavours available as the more you taste, the more
sophisticated your palate will become.
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