Understanding Coffee Tasting Notes
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Tasting notes on a bag (blueberry, chocolate, jasmine) are a map, not a quiz. Coffee has hundreds of aroma compounds. A good note tells you the neighborhood of the cup.
Where notes come from
Cuppers use a shared vocabulary. When we say Ethiopia can taste like blueberry, we mean those compounds show up, not that we added fruit.
Why you might not taste the bag
Stale coffee loses the quiet stuff. Brew method changes what you notice. Pour over is clearer. French press is heavier. Bad grind hides everything. You also do not need to name blueberry to enjoy the coffee.
How to taste without being precious
Smell the grounds and the cup. Let it cool a little. Sip slow. Compare two coffees side by side.
Common note families
Fruit and floral: often Ethiopia Natural and Kenya.
Chocolate and caramel: Latin lots like Colombia and Mexico.
Nutty: Brazil Santos.
Earthy spice: Sumatra.
Shop these
- Ethiopia Natural
- Colombia
- Brazil Santos
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