How to Savor Coffee like a Barista

Cupping 101

Did you know coffee tasting, or 'cupping' as the pros call it, is an art? It's like wine tasting but for coffee. It's a process that allows you to appreciate the different flavors, body, and acidity of your coffee. Absolutely, tasting coffee like a professional barista is a skill that can be cultivated with practice and a little bit of knowledge.

Honing Your Flavor Vocabulary

Develop your palate and savor coffee like a professional by increasing your flavor vocabulary.

• Prep Your Palate: Avoid strong flavors before tasting. Cleanse your palate with water or a cracker.

• Inhale the Aroma: Smell deeply before sipping, as aroma contributes significantly to taste.

• Slurp: Don't just sip. Slurping distributes coffee across your palate and helps aromas reach your throat.

• Detect Flavors: Try recognizing various notes like fruity, nutty, floral, or spicy in the coffee.

• Feel the Body: Pay attention to the texture of the coffee in your mouth. Is it light or heavy?

• Notice Aftertaste: Assess the flavor that lingers after swallowing.

• Practice: The more you taste, the better you'll recognize nuances.

• Use a Tasting Wheel: It can guide you to identify specific flavors.