Taste Coffee Like a Sommelier: A Roaster’s Guide

Learn How to Identify Coffee Tasting Notes and Brew Like a Pro

Ever wondered why some people describe coffee as juicy, jammy, or chocolate-forward? At Columbia St. Roastery, we’re here to help you unlock the full flavor potential of your brew. This is your ultimate guide to tasting coffee like a sommelier—no wine glass required.

Whether you're new to specialty coffee or already obsessed, learning how to taste coffee enhances every cup you brew.

☕ What Is Coffee Tasting (a.k.a. Cupping)?

Coffee tasting—also known as cupping—is the process of evaluating a coffee’s flavor profile. Just like sommeliers assess wine, coffee tasters use aroma, acidity, body, sweetness, and finish to describe a roast.

With just a few tools and techniques, you can train your palate to detect:

  • Fruitiness (like blueberry, citrus, or apple)

  • Sweetness (caramel, chocolate, brown sugar)

  • Floral or spicy notes (jasmine, clove, cinnamon)

  • Balance, body, and aftertaste

🔍 How to Taste Coffee Like a Sommelier

1. Smell First:
Inhale the aroma deeply. Is it fruity, nutty, or sweet?
Tip: Smell freshly ground beans for the best clarity.

2. Slurp, Don’t Sip:
Slurping aerates the coffee, spreading it across your palate—just like wine tasting.

3. Identify the Tasting Notes:
Is it citrusy and bright? Syrupy and sweet? Tea-like and floral? Use a coffee flavor wheel to help.

4. Compare Coffees Side-by-Side:
Tasting multiple origins (like an Ethiopian vs. Colombian) helps develop your tasting vocabulary and confidence.

🧠 Why It Matters for Specialty Coffee Lovers

Tasting coffee like a pro helps you:

  • Choose better beans for your flavor preferences

  • Brew more consistently by matching roast to method

  • Appreciate roast freshness and quality

  • Understand tasting notes listed on our coffee bags

Plus, it makes your morning ritual more exciting and rewarding.

🛒 Taste the Difference with Columbia St. Roastery

We roast high-quality, small-batch coffees with traceable origins and standout flavor. Try these for a perfect coffee tasting experience:

  • Ethiopia Natural – Blueberry, floral, jammy

  • Columbia Street Blend – Smooth, balanced, globally inspired

  • Barrel-Aged Bourbon Coffee – Vanilla, spice, oak-aged complexity

👉 Shop Specialty Coffee Now

✨ Ready to Taste Coffee Like a Sommelier?

Whether you’re sipping a pour-over at home or hosting your own cupping session, the journey starts with good beans and great attention. Every bag from Columbia St. Roastery is roasted with flavor clarity in mind—so you can taste every note, just like a sommelier would.

Start Tasting. Start Exploring.

Shop Columbia St. Coffee →
Experience what real specialty coffee tastes like.


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