How to Taste Coffee: Develop Your Sensory Skills and Get the Most Out of Every Cup

The author of Craft Coffee: A Manual, Jessica Easto, teaches readers how to taste coffee like a professional. She explains why flavor notes are not always as straightforward with coffee as with other beverages and provides nineteen exercises to help readers develop a more developed palate and improve their ability to choose coffee they will love.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2023
Publisher: Surrey Books,U.S.

Introduction:
Welcome to the captivating world of coffee flavor! Have you ever found yourself enchanted by the tantalizing descriptions of flavors like strawberry jam, milk chocolate, and hazelnut on a coffee bag, only to be disappointed when your cup fails to deliver? Well, you're not alone in this coffee-loving journey. Today, high-quality coffee has the incredible ability to evoke a myriad of flavors, thanks to innovative roasting techniques that unlock the true essence of the beans. In addition to that signature coffee taste, you can actually discover hints of fruit, chocolate, and nuts in your cup – all it takes is a little knowledge, a bit of practice, and the willingness to slow down and savor the moment.
Why Flavor Notes Are Not Always as Straightforward with Coffee as They Are with Other Beverages:
In the realm of coffee, flavor notes can be a bit more intricate than what you might experience with other beverages like wine, beer, or spirits. This is because coffee is a complex beverage with a wide range of flavors and aromas that are influenced by various factors, including the type of coffee bean, the roast level, the brewing method, and even your sensory perception.
How Our Senses Perceive Coffee:
Our senses play a crucial role in the tasting experience of coffee. Sight, smell, taste, and touch all contribute to our perception of the flavors in our cup. When you take a sip of coffee, your eyes first encounter the rich, dark color of the liquid, which can provide clues about the roast level and the potential flavors. The aroma of the coffee is also essential, as it can release a range of scents that can hint at the flavors to come.
What Creates and Affects Coffee Flavor:
Coffee flavor is a result of a complex interplay of chemical compounds and flavors. The type of coffee bean, such as Arabica or Robusta, can have a significant impact on the flavor profile. The roast level, which determines the color and texture of the beans, also plays a crucial role in shaping the flavor. The brewing method, such as drip, pour-over, or espresso, can further influence the flavor by extracting different compounds from the beans.
Practicing Your Sensory Skills:
To enhance your coffee-tasting skills, it's important to practice your sensory abilities. This involves using the same tools and resources that coffee professionals use to evaluate and describe the flavors in their cups. By doing so, you can develop a more refined palate and gain a deeper understanding of the intricate flavors contained within these tiny beans.
How to Taste Coffee:
In her book, "How to Taste Coffee," bestselling author Jessica Easto takes you on a journey to explore the world of coffee flavor. With her accessible and no-shame approach, she explains why flavor notes can be a bit more complex with coffee than with other beverages. She also provides nineteen exercises designed to help you identify and talk about what you're tasting, using the same tools and resources as coffee professionals.
What You'll Learn:
By completing these exercises, you'll develop a more developed palate, an improved ability to choose coffee that you're going to love, and a better understanding of the astounding complexity contained within these tiny beans. You'll learn how to perceive the different flavors and aromas in your cup, and how to identify the characteristics of different coffee varieties.
Conclusion:
Whether you're a seasoned coffee enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of coffee, "How to Taste Coffee" is a must-read for anyone who wants to taste widely and sip consciously. By embracing the sensory experience and learning to appreciate the nuances of coffee flavor, you can unlock a greater sense of wonder and enjoyment in your daily cup of coffee. So, take a deep breath, slow down, and savor the flavors that await you in every sip of your favorite brew.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 147 x 199 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781572843295