You must have already experienced a situation where you have accumulated a lot of different coffees from different countries, regions and roasters at home. For the best experience of these coffees, it is ideal to organize a home coffee tasting , also known as cupping . But how is cupping actually done?
Cupping is basically a tasting of coffee , which is used to determine the quality and variety of flavors and aromas. This standard procedure in the coffee industry is used by roasters, buyers, baristas and other professionals to examine the quality of coffee beans before purchasing or after roasting the beans. However, cupping is not only for professionals - you can easily prepare this fun activity at home .
What will you need for cupping / coffee tasting?
Coffee : You can use different types of coffee from different countries, regions and roasters.
Coffee grinder : Ideally, you should have freshly ground coffee.
Hot water : It will be needed for coffee preparation and for subsequent filling of cups.
Coffee cups : You will need cups or glasses for tasting.
Cupping spoons : Ideally, special spoons used in cupping that have a specific size and shape for optimal tasting. But ordinary spoons will also suffice.
Cupping form : You can create a simple form where you write notes about each coffee.
Clean water for rinsing : For cleaning spoons and rinsing between individual tastings.
Clock or stopwatch : For correct timing of the cupping process, especially when thoroughly exploring flavors and aromas.
These are the basic supplies you need for cupping at home. You can of course customize your setup according to your own preferences and available accessories.
Home cupping procedure:
1. We grind approximately 6 g/100 ml of each type of coffee. The coarseness of the grind should be slightly finer than on the V60.
2. Pour the coffee into cups, cover with water at a temperature of around 93°C (200°F) and let it brew for 4 minutes .
3. After 4 minutes, use a spoon to break the crust that forms on the surface of the coffee. This breaking will allow the aroma of the coffee to be released. At this moment, we can smell each cup and notice the different aromas.
4. You can also use a spoon to remove the remaining coffee grounds from the surface of the cups. Wait about 10 minutes for the coffee to cool down to a comfortable drinking temperature. After that, all you have to do is take a spoon and let the coffee flow all over your tongue. When cupping, you can also sip the coffee so that the coffee reaches all the taste buds in your mouth.
5. Examine the flavors and aromas that are released in the coffee during the entire cupping and compare them with other samples.
6. After the tasting, discuss the different coffees, compare them and record your observations.
Remember that the main goal of cupping is to explore the variety of flavors and aromas of coffee. Be ready for new experiences and start exploring the world of coffee with an open mind!
Professional stainless steel cupping spoon by Kaffia.
Professional stainless steel cupping spoon by Kaffia.
TheKaffia Dosing Tray is a practical tool for easier weighing of coffee or tea.
TheKaffia Dosing Tray is a practical tool for easier weighing of coffee or tea.
Motta professional stainless steel cupping spoon.
Motta professional stainless steel cupping spoon.
Professional cupping bowl by Rhinowares.
Professional cupping bowl by Rhinowares.
Kaffia Professional digital barista scale with two coffee preparation modes for hand brew and espresso.
Kaffia Professional digital barista scale with two coffee preparation modes for hand brew and espresso.
Kaffia cupping spoon
Kaffia Dosing Tray
Motta cupping spoon
Cupping bowl Rhinowares
Kaffia Professional 2 kg / 0,1g