Cupping for Beginners, a Short Guide

by Rune Åldstedt

Cupping for Beginners: Join the Global Decaf Tasting!


James Hoffman invites you to a global online cupping of The Decaf Project on December 15th, and you're invited! Does it sound exciting, but you're unsure what "cupping" actually entails? Fear not! This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to participate in this exciting coffee tasting.

What is cupping?

Cupping is a standardized method for tasting and evaluating coffee. It's a simple process that allows you to experience the subtle nuances of aroma and flavor profile of different coffees. Think of it like a wine tasting, but with coffee!



Remember, there's no right or wrong answer during a cupping; it's all about your experience of the coffee. And that this will likely change with experience.

How to cup coffee at home:

Equipment:

  • 4 identical cups (glasses also work)
  • Kettle
  • Scale
  • Cupping spoon (or a regular tablespoon)
  • Stopwatch
  • Grinder (or filter-ground coffee from your local coffee shop)

Recipe:

  • 6 grams of coffee per 100 grams of water
  • Grind size: Filter ground
  • Brewing time: 4 minutes

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Prepare:

    • Get out 4 identical cups.
    • Determine how much coffee the cups hold, preferably by weighing them.
    • Weigh out 6 grams of coffee per 100 grams of water.
    • Get out spoons and boil water.

  2. Brewing:

    • Grind the coffee and put it into a clean cup. Smell the freshly ground coffee!
    • Pour water into the cup to the brim, so that all the coffee gets wet.
    • Let the coffee brew for 4 minutes without stirring. Enjoy the developing aroma!
    • Stir the cup 3 times to sink the coffee grounds.
    • Remove the remaining foam from the surface of the cup with two spoons.

  3. Tasting:

    • Wait for the coffee to cool down (4-6 minutes). Important! Don't burn your tongue.
    • Slurp the coffee! This helps to distribute the coffee in your mouth and activate all your taste buds.
    • Analyze the taste: What aromas and flavors do you detect? Is the coffee fruity, acidic, bitter, sweet? How does it feel in your mouth?
    • Note your observations: This helps you remember and compare the different coffees.

 

Tips for a successful cupping:

  • Use clean water and equipment.
  • Grind the coffee right before brewing for optimal freshness.
  • Avoid talking during the cupping to focus on the taste experience.
  • Remember that you can spit out the coffee between sips to avoid a caffeine overdose.

Join the global cupping!

Now that you know how to cup coffee, you're ready to join James Hoffman's global online cupping of The Decaf Project. Together with coffee lovers from all over the world, you can explore exciting decaf coffees and share your taste experiences. Here you will find many useful resources related to cupping and tasting. 

 

 

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