Sip Happens: Embracing the Unpredictability of Coffee Flavours

Have you ever noticed that coffee bags often come with tasting notes that describe the flavours that you can expect from the coffee. While these tasting notes may be helpful, the truth is that they are not as important as we are led to believe. We will answer some questions about tasting notes, tasting in general and why sometimes it’s best not to give a f*ck.

What are these tasting notes you speak of?

The tasting notes on the coffee label are provided by people like us (roasters) and/or coffee importers. These notes are based on the taste buds and flavour references of the person providing the notes and may not be the same as what you would taste. The roasting process can greatly affect the taste of the coffee; so whatever importers may provide is based on their roasting method and their taste buds. Different brewing methods can also change the taste, some methods emphasise flavour clarity while others give better mouth feel. This means that the tasting notes are only a rough guide as your single step to the journey, and you may not always experience the flavours that are listed on the label.

Why does my coffee taste/smell like fruits or flowers?

The floral notes in coffee can come from a variety of sources, including the type of coffee bean, growing conditions and the processing method used. Some coffees naturally have floral notes, while others may pick up these flavours during processing.  This is the same for fruity notes/flavours! Ultimately, coffee is a fruit, in some processing methods like the natural process; the coffee seed essentially marinates and ferments in its natural sugars!

Why do people describe coffee as sweet?

Sweetness can come from the natural sugars in the coffee beans, which can be enhanced through the roasting process. It can also be a perceived sweetness due to the aromatic compounds present in the coffee. Smelling sweetness also contributes to the drinker perceiving something as inherently sweet! Your nose plays a massive role in tasting and flavour perception, it’s amazing. 

Should you take tasting notes with a pinch of salt?

Everyone's taste buds are different, so what one person tastes may not be the same as another person. We all have different flavour references and experiences. Rather than relying on tasting notes, it is better to focus on the overall quality of the coffee and how it tastes to you. Focusing on primary flavours like sweetness, sourness, bitterness and saltiness. 

Use notes as a guide to have an idea on what to expect but don't make it the priority. A good cup of coffee should be enjoyable and satisfying, regardless of whether or not it matches the tasting notes on the label. Don’t forget that coffee roasters may exaggerate or oversell the tasting notes in order to make their coffee more appealing. This can create unrealistic expectations for consumers and ultimately lead to disappointment when the coffee does not taste as described. Naughty intentions aside, we coffee roasters often neglect communicating these notes properly. For example roaster A may be presenting notes from a cupping while the consumer is enjoying their coffee as an espresso/cappuccino. It wouldn’t make sense to be too detailed either as again, consumers may not have the same type of equipment that the coffee roaster used to brew. 

During my life as a barista and having to brew coffee on a daily basis, I found that the same coffee could change significantly over time. Sometimes there would be perfect flavour clarity while others I wouldn’t taste a damn thing on the list of tasting notes for the same coffee. There would be times where for me, the coffee tasted EVEN BETTER than what was advertised. Something as simple as a change in brew recipe could emphasise some flavours and mute others. 

 In conclusion, tasting notes can be helpful, BUT they are not the be all and end all in a cup of coffee. I mean if you get the notes spot on…congratulations that is awesome! If you don’t, just know that the taste of coffee can vary greatly depending on the type of coffee bean, the roasting method, the brewing method used; age of the coffee, roast level, grinder/ equipment etc.