CoffeeThe Characteristics of Coffee
Did you know that there are specific characteristics to look for in your coffee to help you judge a deep and delicious cup of Joe? No, it is no longer okay just to sip some weak brown water and call it coffee because now Java is held to a much higher standard. So what exactly are these characteristics, and how do you use them to judge a premium roast? Truthfully, coffee is much more complex, and it is better compared to wine since true coffee connoisseurs will know how to detect smooth and mellow notes or smoky and musky flavors.
First, you have to decide on the acidity of your cup of Joe because this is directly how it affects your palate. You will notice that stronger acidity comes from coffee grown at higher altitudes, and you can tell exactly how strong the acidity is by the way the sweetness tastes to your tongue. It can also be described as a tartness because you will feel it on your tongue and in the back of your throat, and it will either be a low or high acidity. You may hear coffees with high acidity described as bright, with that as a substitution for the word acidity. If you are drinking a cup of Joe with exceptional brightness, then you can expect it to have a high acid content.
Next, of all the characteristics used to judge the components of coffee, aroma is incredibly important. You should enjoy the aroma of your Java the same way that you would smell a glass of wine as it is breathing. It can have flowery notes and undertones, similar to a red wine, and depending on the region that it is from, it may be smokier and earthy in the aroma, or even sweet smelling with a fruity finish. You will learn in time what the specific aromas of Java have to offer in the final taste of the coffee product, and it is a pleasure to enjoy the fresh smell of coffee with this knowledge.
After you have sipped your cup of Joe, you will notice the weight you feel in your mouth, whether it is light or heavy. This is the body of the coffee, and many roasts are described as light or full bodied. You will hear coffees described as a light, medium, or full roasts, and this also does vary depending on how you brew it. Obviously, using a French Press will give you a heavy texture to your coffee because it still contains the essential oils, as well being dependent upon the region in which it was harvested.
Lastly, make sure that you check out the flavor of your Java because that is where it really counts. This is where all three of the previous components come together: acidity, aroma, and body. These three characteristics will give you the final flavor, which is completely subject to your own taste buds. Does your coffee have spice? Chocolate flavors? Hints of wood? It is up to you!