Coffee Tasting: 10 Essential Tips
Cafès Illes Balears
Attending a coffee tasting is like stepping into an art gallery… but for the senses. Aromas that tell stories, flavors that unveil secrets of cultivation and processing, textures, and more.
If it’s your first time, it’s normal to feel excited (and a bit nervous!). But don’t worry: with these 10 practical expert tips, you’ll arrive prepared to enjoy every sip and become a confident taster.
10 Tips for an amazing coffee tasting experience
1. Let Your Nose Lead: No Perfumes!
Why? Because 80% of flavor is perceived through smell. A perfume, lotion, or even a scented soap will mask the coffee’s subtle aromas.
Practical tip: On the day of the tasting, don’t use any perfumes or fragrances.
2. Tobacco and Coffee: A Conflicted Relationship
Why? Smoking before a tasting dulls your taste buds and alters your sense of smell. And let’s not even mention the lingering smoke on your clothes!
Practical Tip: Avoid smoking at least 3 hours beforehand. If you’ve been in a smoking environment, change your clothes.
3. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Why? Tastings last 1-2 hours, and you’ll be seated, focused, and handling hot cups.
Practical tip:
- Wear dark or patterned colors (coffee splashes more than you think!).
- Avoid baggy sleeves that could brush against the samples.
- Comfortable Shoes
4. Stay Hydrated, But With Water Only
Why? Dehydration reduces your taste sensitivity, but sugary or dairy drinks leave a residue on your palate.
Practical Tip: Drink plain water 1 hour before. During the tasting, use water to rinse between samples, not to fill your stomach.
5. Be Careful What You Eat Beforehand!
Why? Intense flavors like garlic, chili, chocolate, or pastries linger in your mouth and distort the coffee’s subtle nuances.
Practical Tip: Choose a light meal 2 hours beforehand: a salad, white rice, or toast.
6. Get Plenty of Rest
Why? Tiredness reduces your sensory sharpness.
Practical Tip: Get a good night’s sleep and avoid stress before the tasting.
7. Mouth Cleanliness… With Time to Spare
Why? Brushing your teeth right before leaves mint/fluoride residues that mask flavors.
Practical Tip: Do it 1-2 hours beforehand or simply rinse with water.
8. The Art of Slurping: Make Some Noise!
Why? Slurping loudly (yes, just like a kid) aerates the coffee, distributing it throughout your mouth and releasing aromas through the retronasal passage.
Practical Tip: Don’t be shy: it’s the professional technique! Practice at home with a spoon.
9. Spitting Is Not Bad Manners
Why? In tastings with more than 5 samples, swallowing everything would overload you with caffeine and affect your palate.
Practical Tip: Use the spittoon after you’ve evaluated the coffee. Everyone does it!
10. Come with a Beginner’s Mindset
Why? Specialty coffee breaks stereotypes: an “acidic” coffee can be reminiscent of tropical fruits, and a “smooth” one of salted caramel.
Practical Tip: Leave behind ideas like “coffee must be bitter.” Let yourself be surprised!
Conclusion
A coffee tasting is not a test, but a sensory journey. Arriving prepared allows you to fully enjoy the diversity of flavors, learn from the producer and the barista, and connect with other enthusiasts. Remember: there are no “expert palates,” only curious minds.
Take note of these tips, take a deep breath, and get ready to rediscover coffee!
Ready for your first tasting? ☕
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