introduction:
Have you ever come across a specialty coffee cup that says: “Peach, dark chocolate, floral flavors”?
I wondered: Does it really have a peach flavor?
Answer: Not exactly 👀
In specialty coffee, flavors are based on sensory perception, and are a reflection of the chemical composition of the coffee after roasting and preparation.
In this article, we explain how to read and understand the coffee tasting wheel , even if you have no experience.
1. What is the coffee tasting wheel?
The Coffee Flavor Wheel was developed by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) in collaboration with World Coffee Research.
🔄 It is a circle that starts with general flavors, and branches out into more precise flavors, such as:
- Fruity ← Berry ← Blueberry
- Pink ← Jasmine ← Rose
📌 Objective: To describe the flavor in an understandable and professional way.
2. Are the flavors in coffee natural?
Yes ✅
Fruity, floral, or chocolatey flavors are caused by:
- Coffee breed (eg. Geisha, Bourbon…)
- Processing method (washed, dried…)
- Roasting
- Preparation method
🧠 No artificial flavors added — all from the natural composition of coffee.
3. How do you train your sense of taste?
To start distinguishing flavors, try the following:
- Take a small sip and let it swirl around in your mouth.
- Think: Does it taste sour? Sweet? Bitter?
- Compare it to fruits or nuts you know.
- Drink slowly and focus on the background.
☕ Best time to train: When the coffee is fresh, the equipment is in good condition, and the atmosphere is calm.
4. Examples of common flavors:
Dark chocolate:
Rich taste, mild bitterness, and heavy body.
Tropical fruits:
Clear fruity flavors like pineapple or mango, with delicious sweetness and acidity.
vase:
Light, aromatic flavors such as jasmine or rose
Caramel:
Smooth sweetness, warm flavor similar to burnt sugar
cranberry:
Slightly tart, fruity flavor with a pleasant sweetness.
Nuts (almonds, hazelnuts):
Warm, dry flavors, giving a sense of cleanliness and balance.
5. Can I taste their food?
Sure! With time and practice, you'll begin to distinguish flavors, even if not literally, and you'll begin to understand the "character" of coffee.
🎯 Remember: You don't have to taste the same flavors as written, the important thing is that you start to notice the differences and enjoy the cup.
✅ Conclusion:
Understanding specialty coffee flavors adds a new dimension to your experience.
Start tasting, try different crops, and write down your observations.
Over time, you'll be reading coffee cards like an expert!