What is coffee cupping? And how can you do this yourself?

Coffee what? Cupping yes. When I first heard this I also thought, what is this about? But after many years of working in the coffee industry, I now do this almost every day. You can cup for quality control, to evaluate new coffees, at home as a fun experiment, but you can also become a world champion at it. I don't have that ambition myself, but cupping coffee has become increasingly popular. And today I'm going to explain to you what it is, how to do it and how you can ultimately become world champion 😜.

What is coffee cupping?

At its core, coffee cupping is a method of coffee tasting, used by coffee professionals to evaluate the taste of a coffee and assess its level of quality. This process was formally codified by Ted Lingle in his 1986 book, The Coffee Cupper's Handbook, and continues to evolve within the industry.

Who cups coffee?

Although anyone can in principle cup coffee, it is mainly done by coffee professionals in very specific situations. This includes traders assessing whether to buy a particular coffee, coffee roasters evaluating the profile of their roasting and baristas developing their taste buds.

It's a great tool for both a sensory overview of the coffee and for checking for any defects, such as mold, "baggy" flavors from storage, or other imperfections.

Cupping coffee is a kind of wine tasting

There are certainly parallels to be drawn between coffee cupping and wine tasting, with both being excellent ways to develop a refined palate. However, while wine tasting is freely accessible and known to a wide audience, coffee cupping remains largely in the domain of professionals.

Nevertheless, it is still a valuable experience for the casual coffee drinker to improve their tasting skills.

How do you do it?

Simply put, cupping is making coffee with just water and coffee in a small cup or bowl. This minimizes the variables that different brewing methods can introduce. The Specialty Coffee Association has produced long-standing cupping protocols (SCA) that are recognized as best practices in the industry. These standards specify basic parameters such as grind size, water temperature and equipment, as well as more specific recommendations for preparing the coffee samples.

During a typical cupping session, the coffee is measured into small cups or bowls, brewed directly, after which the 'crust' of coffee grounds is broken up with a spoon and then manually skimmed off. Coffee is smelled and tasted at several points during the process, and assessed for properties such as sweetness, sourness, body, and so on.

Tasting is usually done with a special round and deep spoon, from which coffee is slurped to spread as much of the coffee as possible over the taster's palate. Although double-dipping with the spoon is often part of a cupping, since the arrival of COVID-19, more hygienic practices, such as transferring coffee to a cup or other spoon for slurping, have risen in popularity.

Why would you do coffee cupping?

Coffee cupping opens up a new world for professionals and enthusiasts alike. It is not only a way to understand the depths and complexities of coffee, but also to develop a common language with others in the coffee community.

Are you a home barista, a foodie, or just someone who loves a good cup of coffee? Then it's time to dive into the world of coffee cupping. It is not only educational; it's also a lot of fun!

Who knows, you might find that you have a natural talent for distinguishing those subtle notes of chocolate, fruit, or even flowers in your coffee.

Conclusion

Cupping coffee is much more than just tasting coffee; it is an art and science that allows you to truly appreciate the complexity and richness of coffee. It offers a unique opportunity to develop your taste buds, cultivate a deeper appreciation for coffee, and be part of a passionate community that shares the love of coffee.

Whether you're a seasoned taster or a novice to the world of coffee, cupping invites you to delve deeper into the fascinating world of coffee and all it has to offer. So, grab your spoon, sharpen your senses, and prepare for an adventure as rich and rewarding as the coffee itself.