How is Coffee Evaluated?
Coffee evaluation typically involves a sensory analysis process known as cupping. Cupping is a standardized method used by professionals in the premium coffee industry to assess the quality and characteristics of whole coffee beans. Here's an overview of how coffees are evaluated:
Coffee selection: Expert cuppers select specific premium coffee samples for evaluation based on factors such as origin, variety, processing method, and intended purpose (e.g., single-origin, blend, specialty).
Roasting: The selected premium coffee beans are locally roasted to a specific degree, often a medium roast, to highlight their inherent flavors and aromas.
Cupping setup: Cupping requires specific equipment, including cupping bowls (small ceramic or glass cups), cupping spoons, hot water (just below boiling), a grinder, and a cupping form for recording observations.
Grind and aroma: The roasted beans are ground to a consistent coarseness. Cuppers evaluate the dry fragrance of the grounds, noting any distinct aromas.
Water addition: Hot water is added to the cupping bowls containing the coffee grounds. Cuppers carefully observe the "bloom" phase, where the local roasted coffee releases gases and expands.
Breaking the crust: After a specified steeping time, the crust formed on top of each cup is gently broken by stirring with a spoon. This releases a burst of aromas.
Aroma assessment: Cuppers inhale deeply over the cups, assessing the fragrance and noting any specific scents, such as floral, fruity, nutty, or earthy.
Slurping and tasting: Cuppers use spoons to slurp the coffee from the cup, aspirating it across their palate to evenly distribute it and assess its taste. They evaluate various attributes, including acidity, body, sweetness, flavor complexity, aftertaste, and balance.
Scoring and recording: Cuppers record their observations on a cupping form or scorecard. They assign scores or ratings to different attributes and provide detailed descriptions of the coffee's characteristics.
Discussion and consensus: In a professional setting, cuppers may discuss and compare their evaluations to arrive at a consensus on the coffee's quality and overall profile.
By following this rigorous evaluation process, professionals can provide detailed descriptions and ratings for different premium roast coffees, which are helpful for sourcing, purchasing, and marketing decisions in the coffee industry. Here at Hot Rodz Coffee, it has been made and distributed right here in the heart of Nashville, TN!