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Choose by flavor notes! How to find the beans that suit you
The world of coffee is rich in variations in aroma and flavor, and is as profound as wine. Everyone has different preferences, such as "I like a light cup with a hint of acidity" or "I'm looking for beans with a sweetness like chocolate."
In this situation, the key to finding the coffee beans that are perfect for you is "flavor notes."
This time, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner what flavor notes are and how you can use them to find beans that suit your taste.
What are flavor notes?
Flavor notes are the distinctive aromas and flavors that you notice when tasting coffee .
For example, coffee's individuality is described using various expressions such as "berry-like aroma," "nutty richness," and "caramel-like sweetness."
These descriptions are based on the impressions that roasters and baristas have gained through tasting, and can be used as a guide when purchasing.
When you first see them, you might wonder, "Does it really taste like that?", but when you actually try them side by side, you can often clearly taste the difference.
Tips for choosing beans based on your taste buds
To make the most of flavor notes, it's important to first know what flavors you like.
Here we will introduce recommended flavor notes and how to choose beans for each of the major taste types.
1. For those who like fruity and bright flavors
For those who prefer fruity acidity, such as berries or citrus, we recommend beans from Africa, such as Ethiopia or Kenya.
These beans are lightly roasted to bring out the fruity flavor and create a refreshing coffee.
Recommended flavor notes: ・Lemon, grapefruit ・Blueberries, cherries ・White wine, floral
2. For those who value sweetness and richness
For those who prefer sweet flavors like chocolate or caramel and nutty aromas, medium to medium-dark roasted beans from Central and South America are perfect.
It has a warm flavor and a mellow mouthfeel.
Recommended flavor notes: ・
Cocoa, milk chocolate ・
Caramel, brown sugar ・
Almonds, hazelnuts
3. For those who want to enjoy a rich and bitter taste
For those who want to enjoy a deep, rich, bitter taste, we recommend dark roasted beans from Indonesia or Brazil.
It is perfect for those who like a rich flavor, and it also goes well with milk and sugar, making it suitable for cafe au lait.
Recommended flavor notes: ・
dark chocolate ・
Roasted nuts ・
Smoky, woody
Tips for reading packaging
In addition to origin and roast level, coffee bean packaging often includes flavor notes.
At first, it may seem like a string of unfamiliar words, but if you interpret it as follows, it will be easier to get a grasp of the meaning.
・"Orange Bergamot Black Tea" : Refreshing, citrusy, slightly astringent black tea flavor ・"Chocolate Nuts Caramel" : A sweet and fragrant coffee that tastes like a dessert ・"Smoky Spice Earthy" : Deeply roasted, full-bodied flavor
Flavor notes are a sensory expression, so there are no right or wrong answers. The fun of choosing beans comes from trying different flavors with curiosity, wondering, "What does this taste like?"
Discover your tastes through tasting
You won't know what you like until you actually try it.
In such cases, we recommend a "trial set" or "tasting set" that allows you to try small amounts of several types of beans. By tasting and comparing beans with different flavor notes, you can clearly identify the differences in taste and your own preferences.
Also, even with the same beans, the way they are extracted can change the way they taste.
Whether you choose hand-dripping to bring out the delicate flavors or French press for a full-bodied taste, it's an interesting way to explore how different brewing styles and flavor notes work together.
Summary: Create your own unique cup of coffee based on your favorite flavor notes
When choosing coffee beans, paying attention not only to whether they are sour or bitter, but also to the aroma and flavor they have will help you find a cup of coffee that suits you better.
Flavor notes are a useful source of information to guide you in making such choices.
First, think about what flavors you like and try beans with flavors that interest you. As your preferences become clearer, choosing beans will become more and more fun.
Why not find the flavor note that's perfect for you and make your daily coffee time even more enjoyable?
