Coffee Cupping For The Fun
Of It
by Gary Gresham
Coffee cupping is a method to
compare the different characteristics of a coffee bean. Cupping
lets us compare different coffees against each other to
evaluate the uniqueness between them. This information can give
us a better understanding of each different region and their
basic tastes.
Having a coffee cupping party at home is a great way to
socialize and enjoy coffee while evaluating and sharing
thoughts on the different blends. It can be fun and a sense of adventure discovering
flavors and nuances you never thought existed in a cup of
coffee.
Gather some coffee lovers together with a small cupping supply
and let the fun begin.
Coffee cupping is not difficult and will take some practice and
patience but the reward will give you invaluable knowledge
about coffee.
Your cupping supply will consist of the following :
1. Fresh filtered water, not distilled or softened.
2. A coffee scoop that holds 2 tablespoons.
3. Small cupping cups that hold 5 ounces each
(3 for each sample; if cupping 3 coffees you will need 9).
4. Small rectangle plastic trays to hold beans; 1 for each
coffee.
5. Cupping spoons that are deep for holding samples and
slurping.
6. Whole Bean Coffee; enough for 3 cups each-six
tablespoons.
To Begin:
· Bring water to rolling boil and let stand.
· Put your cups on the table in 3 groups of 3 each.
· Using your scoop measure 1 scoop of beans per cup.
· Grind coffee beans to a fine consistency and put in cup.
Make sure to grind each coffee to the same fineness and clean
the grinder after each grinding.
Start by sniffing each of the coffee samples then begin pouring
water just off the boiling point on the grounds. Allow the
coffee to steep for 3 to 4 minutes. Using your spoon gently
break the crust and take time to smell the coffee at this
point. Once the crust is broken gently stir the coffee to allow
some of the grounds to sink. Any left on top should be scooped
out and thrown away.
After cooling slightly start slurping the coffee from the
spoon. Let it splash over your entire palate letting your taste
buds experience and acknowledge each flavor. It’s fun to see
how many funny sounds you can make while slurping.
You could even make a game of it to see who can make the
funniest sounds. Hold the coffee in your mouth without
swallowing and swish it around and begin to realize all the
different taste sensations. At this point, spit the coffee out
and begin sharing your experience and thoughts with the rest of
the group. There are no right or wrongs just opinions.
For many beginners evaluating coffee with other coffee lovers
will open your eyes and your taste buds to flavors in coffee
that you might have missed. It is a fun way to share a new
understanding and appreciation for coffee cupping and enjoy it
all at the same time.
Copyright © 2005 Perfect Coffees.com. All Rights Reserved.
About the Author
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