Have you ever wondered how coffee professionals evaluate the taste and quality of coffee? Cupping, or coffee tasting, is a professional and systematic method used to assess the flavor profile of coffee. It’s like wine tasting – but with coffee – where aroma, taste, texture, and aftertaste are all carefully examined.
What is cupping?
Cupping is a standardised process used by coffee experts – baristas, roasters, and buyers – to evaluate coffee quality. It allows different coffees to be compared under consistent conditions and helps identify things like defects, balance, sweetness, acidity, and much more.
But cupping isn’t just for professionals. It’s also a great way to deepen your understanding of coffee – your preferences, different origins, and processing methods.
What do you need for home cupping?
You don’t need a professional lab or expensive equipment to get started. Here’s what you’ll need:
Freshly ground coffee – ideally 2–3 different types
A grinder – coarse grind, similar to French press
Hot water – around 92–96 °C
Identical cups or cupping bowls – one for each coffee
Spoons – ideally cupping spoons, but regular soup spoons work too
Timer
Water and a glass to rinse spoons
Pen and paper for tasting notes
How to do coffee cupping at home
Prep the coffee Grind each coffee separately and weigh about 12g of coffee per cup. Place the coffee into cups or bowls and label each one.
Smell the dry grounds Before adding water, smell the dry coffee. The aroma already gives away a lot – is it chocolaty, fruity, nutty?
Add water Pour 200 ml of hot water (92–96 °C) over each cup. Start the timer for 3:30 minutes.
Break the crust and smell At 3:30, stir the top layer of grounds (called the “crust”) and immediately lean in and inhale deeply – this is the moment when aromas are at their most intense.
Remove the grounds Scoop out any remaining grounds and foam to clean the surface of the coffee.
Wait and taste Let the coffee cool for around 10 minutes – hot coffee can dull your taste buds. Then, slurp a spoonful from each cup. Yes, slurp! It helps spread the coffee across all your taste receptors.
Taste in multiple rounds Taste when the coffee is hot, lukewarm, and at room temperature – flavors evolve as it cools.
Take notes Write down what you notice – acidity, sweetness, body, aftertaste, balance. What did you like? What stood out?
Drink water between tastings Cleansing your palate helps you taste more accurately.
A few tips:
- Start with just 2–3 coffees so you don’t overwhelm your palate
- Don’t use flavoured or artificially enhanced coffee
- Use clean water and clean equipment
- Invite friends – more taste buds, more fun!
Want a guided cupping experience?
If you’d rather discover new flavors with the help of a professional – without having to prepare everything yourself – you’re always welcome to join a cupping session at our roastery. 👉 Check available sessions and register here