Tasting Notes - Unlocking the Flavor Symphony in Your Cup

Reverie’s head roaster and director of coffee, Oscar Pineda, points to the Specialty Coffee Association Taster’s Flavor Wheel from The Roasting Den at our coffee roasting plant in Wichita, KS.

Welcome to the world of coffee tasting notes! At Reverie Coffee Roasters, we believe that understanding the tasting notes of coffee can elevate your coffee experience to new heights. Tasting notes are the descriptors used to capture the unique flavors and aromas present in each cup of coffee. They allow you to explore a rich tapestry of flavors and discover new dimensions in your favorite beverage.

When it comes to tasting notes, coffee can be as diverse as the regions it is grown in. From the vibrant citrus notes of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe to the smooth caramel undertones of a Colombian brew, each coffee has its own distinct flavor profile waiting to be discovered.

Chemex Coffeemaker is a timeless pour over brewing method emerging in 1941! Paired with gooseneck kettle, you can make a great cup of coffee at home.

To fully appreciate tasting notes, it helps to approach coffee tasting like a sensory adventure. First, take a moment to recognize the fragrance of the dry ground coffee. It will be much more noticable and enjoyable the fresher the coffee and the more recent it was ground. Then, observe the aroma of the brewed coffee as it wafts from the cup, inhaling deeply to capture the intricate scents. Notice the differences between the dry fragrance and wet aroma. As you take your first sip, let the flavors dance on your palate, exploring the nuances and complexities.

To identify tasting notes, pay attention to different elements such as acidity, sweetness, bitterness, and body. The more you practice discerning the flavors and attributes, the better you become at identifying the specific tasting notes in your cup. Pallet not yet that developed? No worries. Start with the larger categories of flavor. Are there hints of fruitiness? Does it remind you of chocolate or nuts?

Here’s a link to a description of the Specialty Coffee Association Coffee (SCA) Taster’s Flavor Wheel by the International Coffee Organization. Here you will find a series of slides demonstrating the depth of the sensory wheel created in partnership with the SCA, World Coffee Research and Kansas State University (Go Cats!)

Baratza Sette burr grinder, a great way to enhance your coffee game at home.

At Reverie Coffee Roasters, we provide detailed tasting notes for each of our coffees, helping you navigate the vast array of flavors available. Our team of experienced roasters and tasters carefully selects and describes the tasting notes to provide you with our understanding of what to expect from each coffee we roast.

So, whether you're a fan of bright and vibrant flavors or prefer the rich, earthy tones, exploring tasting notes is a journey of self-discovery. It allows you to find the perfect coffee that resonates with your unique taste preferences and enhances your coffee-drinking experience. It’s also a great way to expand your knowledge and understanding of your taste and olfactory senses. You never know what doors will open as you learn a new skill.

Join us at Reverie Coffee Roasters as we celebrate the diverse flavors of coffee and guide you on a flavorful expedition through the world of tasting notes through coffee.. Together, let's unlock the flavor symphony in your cup and elevate your coffee enjoyment to new heights.

Andrew Gough