The Art and Science of Coffee Cupping: Understanding Cupping Scores

Welcome to the world of coffee cupping, a ritual that embodies the essence of coffee tasting and quality assessment. At Coastal Coffee Roasters, we take pride in the meticulous process of cupping to ensure that every bean we roast meets our high standards of excellence. Whether you're a seasoned barista, a cafe owner, or a coffee enthusiast, understanding the cupping process and the significance of cupping scores can elevate your appreciation for the craft of coffee.

What is Coffee Cupping?

Coffee cupping is a systematic method used to evaluate the aroma and flavor profile of coffee beans. This process allows roasters, buyers, and enthusiasts to discern the subtle nuances of different coffee varieties. By carefully analyzing these characteristics, we can determine the quality and potential of each batch of coffee we roast.

The Cupping Process

The cupping process involves several steps, each designed to reveal the intricate flavors and aromas hidden within the coffee beans. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how we conduct cupping at Coastal Coffee Roasters:

1. Preparation: We start by roasting the coffee beans to a light-medium roast level to highlight their inherent flavors. The beans are then ground to a medium-coarse consistency.

2. Aroma Assessment: We place the ground coffee into cupping bowls and assess the dry aroma. This initial sniff provides the first hint of the coffee's aromatic profile.

3. Brewing: Hot water is poured over the grounds, allowing them to steep. We let the coffee brew for about 4 minutes before breaking the crust of coffee grounds that forms on top. This step releases the coffee's volatile compounds, providing a second opportunity to assess the aroma.

4. Tasting: Using cupping spoons, we slurp the coffee to aerate it and spread it across our taste buds. This technique helps to fully experience the coffee’s flavor, body, and acidity. Multiple rounds of tasting allow us to evaluate the coffee as it cools, revealing additional layers of complexity.

Decoding the Cupping Score

Cupping scores are a crucial part of the cupping process, offering a standardized way to rate coffee quality. Each coffee is evaluated on several attributes, typically scored on a scale of 0 to 100. Here are the key attributes we consider:

1. Aroma: The fragrance and aroma of the coffee, both dry and wet, are assessed for complexity and appeal.

2. Flavor: The overall taste experience, including the primary flavor notes and their harmony.

3. Aftertaste: The lingering flavors that remain after swallowing, indicating the coffee's lasting impression.

4. Acidity: The brightness or liveliness of the coffee, which can range from crisp and refreshing to smooth and mellow.

5. Body: The weight and texture of the coffee in the mouth, from light and delicate to full and rich.

6. Balance: The harmony between acidity, body, and flavor, ensuring no single attribute overwhelms the others.

7. Sweetness: The presence of natural sugars, contributing to a pleasant and smooth taste.

8. Clean Cup: The absence of any negative or off-flavors.

9. Uniformity: Consistency of flavor across multiple cups from the same batch.

10. Overall: A holistic score that reflects the general quality and impression of the coffee.

Why Cupping Scores Matter

Cupping scores serve as a benchmark for coffee quality, guiding roasters in selecting and refining their offerings. For cafe owners and baristas, understanding cupping scores can enhance your coffee selections and customer satisfaction. For coffee enthusiasts, these scores offer a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of your favorite brews.

Elevate Your Coffee Experience

At Coastal Coffee Roasters, we believe in the power of cupping to unlock the full potential of each coffee bean. Our commitment to this art and science ensures that every cup of coffee you enjoy is a testament to our dedication to quality. Whether you’re savoring our air-bed roasted coffees at home or serving them in your cafe, you can trust that each sip has been carefully crafted to deliver an exceptional coffee experience.

Join us on this journey of discovery and taste the difference that expert cupping brings to every cup of Coastal Coffee Roasters coffee.