Cupping Techniques

The art of sampling coffee

Cupping requires a fair amount of training and experience for the brain to master the coordination of the signals from the eyes, nose and tongue. Coffee tasting, called “cupping,” is the art of exploring the aroma, flavor, mouth feel and overall quality of a coffee. Cupping coffee is a frequent ritual at The Roaster. It helps us maintain consistency among our award-winning lineup of coffees, gives us an opportunity to sample potential new blends, and keeps us energized, excited and fully engaged with our products.

Cupping is a fairly regimented and structured process, practiced in an identical manner by professional cuppers across the world. It's similar to a sommelier discerning the components of a fine wine; however, cupping depends upon many controlled variables built into the process.

The Roaster training latte

Each sample is cupped exactly the same way

The Roaster training cupping

Fragrance analysis of the dry, freshly roasted, freshly ground coffee.

The Roaster training cupping

Five ounces of hot water, between 90.55°C and 96.1°C, is added to 8.25 grams of coarsely ground coffee.

The Roaster training cupping

Aroma analysis for one to two minutes.

The Roaster training cupping

Breaking of the "crust" of floating coffee grounds with a preheated spoon and additional aroma analysis as the spoon is pushed to the bottom of the cup.

The Roaster training cupping

After the coffee has cooled slightly, the spoon is used to scoop out enough coffee for sampling. The coffee is quickly and quite literally slurped off the spoon and aspirated over the entire tongue.

The Roaster training cupping

After the coffee has cooled more thoroughly, the slurp and aspiration are repeated. The coffee is critiqued based a dozen different characteristics including its aroma, flavor, acidity, aftertaste and body.