Have you ever wondered how coffee experts are able to pinpoint specific flavours in a cup of coffee? The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has developed a tool called the Coffee Tasting Wheel to help coffee tasters identify and describe the complex flavours found in coffee. But how does it work and how can you use it to enhance your coffee tasting experience?
What is the Coffee Tasting Wheel?
The SCA Coffee Tasting Wheel is a visual tool that categorizes the various flavours and aromas that can be found in coffee. It is divided into three main levels: at the centre, you have broad categories like Sweet, Sour, and Bitter; moving outwards, you find more specific descriptors like Floral, Fruity, or Nutty. By using the wheel, tasters can systematically evaluate the sensory attributes of a coffee and communicate their findings in a standardized way.
How to Use the Coffee Tasting Wheel
When tasting coffee, start by taking a moment to smell the coffee and note the aromas. Then, take a sip and let it coat your entire palate. Pay attention to the different flavours you experience and refer to the Coffee Tasting Wheel to identify the specific descriptors that match what you are tasting. For example, if you detect a hint of citrus, you can look at the wheel and find the corresponding category to further specify if it's more like lemon, orange, or grapefruit.
Helpful Tip: When observing the tasting wheel work from the inside out and use process of elimination to help narrow down the tasting notes. For example, you detect fruity notes in the cup. Would you say it was more citrus? Stone fruit? Tropical?
How are Coffee Tasting Notes Determined?
Coffee tasting notes are determined through a combination of factors including the coffee's origin, variety, processing method, and roast level. The unique combination of these elements contributes to the overall flavour profile of the coffee. Additionally, the way the coffee is brewed and the water used can also impact the tasting notes. By using the SCA Coffee Tasting Wheel, tasters can accurately describe the flavours they perceive and share their findings with others in the coffee community.
Legal Bit: The Coffee Taster's Flavor Wheel by the SCA and WCR (©2016-2020) is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
