If you're a coffee enthusiast, you've probably heard of coffee cupping. It's a process of evaluating the aroma, flavor, and other sensory aspects of coffee. But where do you start if you want to learn how to cup coffee like a pro? Here's a beginner's guide based on regulations set forth by the Specialty Coffee Association. Note that this outlines the process of traditional coffee cupping, stay tuned for the next blog post where were discuss the benefits of using the Cupping Brewer for your cupping:
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Start with high-quality coffee beans. Single origin coffee beans are a great choice because they have distinct flavor profiles and are more fun to taste (in our opinion). Freshly roasted coffees from a local roaster are the best choice or you can roast your own for an even more complete experience. Keep in mind that, in general, coffees intended for evaluation through cupping are roasted very light so that all the components of the coffee are exposed on to the taster.
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Grind your coffee beans just before cupping. Use a burr grinder for consistent grounds. The coffee grounds should be medium to coarse.
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Set up your cupping station with all the necessary tools: cups, spoons, water, timer, and pen and paper to take notes. Make sure the area is clean and free of any odors that could interfere with the coffee's aroma.
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Before adding water, smell the fragrance of the coffee grounds. The fragrance will give you an idea of the coffee's aroma.
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Add hot water to the coffee grounds. The water should be around 200°F. Use a ratio of 8.25 grams of coffee per 150 ml of water.
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Wait for the coffee to brew undisturbed for 4 minutes. During this time, a crust will form on the surface of the coffee.
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Use a spoon to "break the crust" on the surface of the coffee. This will release the aroma.
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Take a spoonful of coffee (being careful not to disturb the cup or stir up grounds) and taste it. Evaluate the coffee's acidity, sweetness, body, and aftertaste. Write down your observations.
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Repeat the process with different coffee beans and roast levels to train your palate. With practice, you'll be able to identify different flavor profiles and become a pro at coffee cupping.
Coffee cupping is a fun and educational way to explore the world of specialty coffee. Use this beginner's guide to start cupping coffee like a pro and discover new flavor profiles. Check out the next blog post for more info on how to use your Cupping Brewer to create a clean and effective coffee cupping experience for you and your friends.