Professionals call it cupping. Roasters and baristas use it to evaluate the taste of coffee varieties. But you can also dive into the world of aromas at home and develop a whole new understanding of your favorite drink. Cupping sharpens your senses and makes you a better coffee drinker – whether beginner or true coffee nerd.
Needed:
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Freshly ground coffee
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Scale, kettle, spoon, cupping glasses (or regular cups)
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Note sheet and timer
Procedure:
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Grind coffee medium-fine (like for French Press)
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Put 12g of coffee into a cup each
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Pour with 200 ml water (approx. 94°C), let steep for 4 minutes
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Carefully break the crust with a spoon, smelling the aromas
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Slurp coffee with a spoon, spread it on the tongue
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Note impressions: acidity, sweetness, bitterness, body, aftertaste
How to better understand the aromas: Take your time for each phase: The scent when grinding, the aroma when pouring, the first sip – all give clues about the origin and processing of the bean. Note impressions like "citrus", "cocoa", "nutty" or "floral". With some practice, you learn to recognize and distinguish flavor profiles.
Cupping as an experience: Make an event out of it: Invite friends, place different coffees side by side, and rate them together. This not only sharpens the senses but is also a lot of fun. Many coffee enthusiasts discover entirely new favorite varieties they would never have tried otherwise.
Tip: There are special cupping sets available in specialty stores or online – consisting of glasses, spittoon, spoon, and aroma wheel. Alternatively, a set of four identical glasses and a good eye for detail is sufficient.
Our recommended varieties:
