The first time I learned about Coffee Cupping, I wasn’t at Starbucks. I was just a regular customer at Blue Bottle on Abbot Kinney, and I noticed in the sitting area they were coffee tasting. It was really busy in line, and with nothing else better to do, I definitely was staring. The manager noticed I was interested and invited me over to try a Coffee Cupping while she was training her barista for a competition in Japan. I had a ton of fun and learned so much from this type of coffee tasting.
What is Coffee Cupping?
Coffee cupping is a practice that is often used by coffee professionals and coffee enthusiasts. You can focus on the aromas, flavors, and qualities of different coffee beans. Similar to a coffee tasting at Starbucks, in the coffee industry it helps roasters, buyers, and baristas check the quality of their coffee beans and discover unique coffee profiles. Coffee cupping is a hands-on sensory experience. It allows you to compare the depth and complexity of coffee through a standardized method.
The Cupping Process
Now this does require access to a variety of coffee beans and coffee roasts. You can check out my article on Coffee Subscriptions here or try this great coffee cupping subscription here with Bean Box.
The process begins with freshly roasted and ground coffee beans, placed in a small bowl. Hot water is poured over the grounds, and they are left to steep like you would for a French Press, forming a crust on the surface. This crust is then “broken” by stirring gently with a spoon, releasing the coffee’s full aroma. Then you inhale deeply to capture the scents—notes of fruits, spices, chocolate, or floral may be detectable, giving clues to the coffee’s origin and flavor profile.
Then once the coffee cools slightly, you use spoons to slurp the liquid. Slurping aerates the coffee, spreading it over the palate to taste the full spectrum of flavors, including sweetness, acidity, bitterness, and body. Each coffee is assessed on these attributes, and tasters make notes about its taste profile, mouthfeel, and aftertaste.
If that was a lot to take in… here is a video by James Hoffman – a coffee expert! – showing the coffee cupping process.
How to Try Cupping at Home
You don’t need to be a coffee expert to try cupping yourself! All you need are a few varieties of coffee, bowls, a grinder, and some hot water. Take notes as you taste and see if you can identify different flavor notes. This simple exercise is a great way to refine your palate and deepen your connection to coffee.
Got any special occasions coming up soon? Try the Bean Box coffee subscription!
Confused about how to taste coffee?
What even is a Flavor Profile?? Check out products like these on Amazon to help you identify different flavors.
Amazon – Coffee Taster’s Flavor Wheel
Conclusion
Whether you’re still new to coffee or a casual coffee drinker or a passionate aficionado, coffee cupping provides a unique opportunity to explore the vast world of coffee. It’s truly an insightful experience, especially when you have an expert or Star Barista to guide you in this Adventure!
Want to experience it yourself? Try setting up a small cupping at home or visit a local coffee shop offering tasting sessions to dive into the world of coffee. By understanding what goes into each cup, you can start to appreciate coffee on a whole new level. Ready to expand your coffee journey? Grab some freshly roasted beans now!
