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Coffee Cupping

Cupping in the Coffee Industry

From large roasting operations to small home roasters, coffee cupping is a passion shared by many.  The following procedure is very useful in comparing coffees, sampling coffees for defects as well as training your palate.

What Is Coffee Cupping?

The accepted method of tasting coffees is standardized and adheres to a specific set of guidelines so that empirical observations can be repeated worldwide. The process is called “cupping,” and involves rigorous attention to details; coffee grind, quantity, water temperature, etc. There are special spoons, cups, spitoons and other instruments used in the procedure.


Coffee Cupping Session Coffee Beans In A Tray

How To Cup Coffee

  • Coffee Cupping glass cups

    Step 1: Roughly, 1/4 ounce (7.25 grams) of each coffee to be compared is ground and put in 6oz glass cups. This sample is analyzed as a dry sample and aromas are noted as are potential defects that may be apparent.

  • Step 2: 150 ml of 195 degree water is added. The cup is allowed to steep for 2 to 3 minutes. The grounds floating in the cup are then pushed downward (called “breaking the crust”) with the spoon while the cupper, holding his nose close to the cup, sniffs for aroma.
  • Step 3: The grinds and foam are cleared from the surface of the coffee. The cupper raises the spoon to their mouth and takes in the coffee and a lot of air, essentially slurping the coffee forcefully into their mouth.
  • Step 4: The cupper judges all the coffee’s character at this time; acidity, body, flavor… then they spit it out and try to sense the aftertaste. When the coffee cools they repeat the second step.

The cupping procedure in a professional setting, is mostly for those who are concerned with keeping blends and single origin coffees tasting consistent from year to year as the crops vary, and to weed out nasty coffees. Many books on coffee cover the cupping procedure in more detail as it is a very complex issue.

There are classes offered through the SCAA, The Roasters Guild and many more organizations that are dedicated to specialty coffee and creating the perfect roast.