introduction:
You sipped the coffee... you swallowed... but there's still a lingering taste in your mouth.
Some cups leave a sweet aftertaste, some leave an unpleasant bitterness.
This is called Aftertaste.
Let us explain to you what it is, and why it is considered one of the most important indicators of specialty coffee quality.
1. What is Aftertaste?
It is the taste that “remains in your mouth” after you swallow the coffee.
⏱️ It lasts a few seconds to a minute sometimes
🧠 Often determines your final impression of the cup.
🎯 It can be smooth, long, sweet, unpleasant, bitter, or even metallic.
2. How do you notice the Aftertaste?
- Take a sip, swish it all over your tongue.
- swallow slowly
- Wait 5-10 seconds, notice the taste that remains.
📌 If a nice or balanced taste remains = Excellent Aftertaste
📌 If it disappears quickly or is annoying = most likely a bad extraction or ben
3. What determines the quality of Aftertaste?
🔹 Coffee quality (harvesting, processing, roasting)
🔹 Preparation method (especially time and grinding)
🔹 Type of filter and water used
🎯 Some crops — like geisha or washed sorghum from Ethiopia — are known for their smooth, aromatic aftertaste.
4. Does it have to be clear for the coffee to be excellent?
Not necessarily, but: ✅ Clean Aftertaste = an indicator of high quality
❌ Bitter or salty aftertaste = most likely a sign of a preparation or coffee error
✅ Conclusion:
The aftertaste is the part that seals the cup — and strong.
The cleaner and more comfortable it was, the more I associated it with coffee.
Try to notice the taste after swallowing, and you will see a big difference in your evaluation of the coffee.
👉 Try INGO's soft finish crops