Coffee Flavors - The Flavor Wheel
Recognizing and describing aromas
The Language of Coffee
Coffee contains over 800 different aroma compounds - more than wine. The SCA Coffee Taster's Flavor Wheel helps systematically recognize and describe these flavors.
Main Categories
- Fruity: Berry, citrus, stone fruit, tropical
- Sweet: Chocolate, caramel, honey, vanilla
- Nutty: Almond, hazelnut, peanut
- Floral: Jasmine, rose, lavender
- Spicy: Cinnamon, clove, pepper
- Roasty: Malt, toast, dark chocolate
Learning to Recognize Flavors
The best way to train your palate: smell and taste consciously. Next time you drink coffee, pause: What do you smell? What do you taste first? What lingers in the aftertaste?
Influencing Factors
- Origin: Ethiopia = floral-fruity, Brazil = nutty-chocolatey
- Processing: Natural = fruity, Washed = clean
- Roasting: Light = acidity + fruit, Dark = roast flavors + bitterness
- Brewing: Filter emphasizes acidity, Espresso emphasizes body