DISCOVER THE RICH WORLD OF COFFEE FLAVOURS

05.09.24
Zest Coffee

UNLOCK THE COMPLEX FLAVOUR PROFILES IN SPECIALTY COFFEE

When it comes to enjoying a cup of coffee, the flavours you experience are more than just the taste on your tongue — they are a blend of smell, taste, and mouthfeel that create the overall flavour profile. At ZEST, we understand that coffee flavours are essential to the coffee experience. Without a deep love for flavour, the specialty coffee industry would not have the aura it has today!

 

 

BUT WHAT ARE COFFEE FLAVOURS?

Coffee flavours refer to the intricate sensations that your senses detect when sipping coffee. These flavours are a combination of aromatic notes, tastes, and the body of the coffee, all contributing to what we call the coffee’s flavour profile. Understanding these components is key to appreciating the full spectrum of flavours that specialty coffee has to offer.

In specialty coffee, the flavour profile is a critical measure of quality. Every cup of specialty coffee is crafted to highlight unique flavour notes, whether they are fruity, nutty, floral, or spicy. Here’s how the senses work together to create these coffee flavours:

 

  • / AROMATICS:

    The aroma of coffee sets the stage for the flavours to come. In specialty coffee, aromatic complexity is highly valued, with scents that can range from berry-like to citrusy or even chocolatey.

 

  • / TASTE:

    The taste buds detect primary flavours like sweetness, acidity, and bitterness, which are the foundation of any coffee’s flavour profile.

 

  • / MOUTHFEEL:

    The texture or body of the coffee influences how the flavours are perceived in your mouth, adding depth and richness to the overall experience.

 

LINKING FLAVOURS TO COLOURS

Connections between colours and flavours are rooted in our sensory memories. This concept forms the basis of the flavour wheel as colours are often used to describe the flavour profile of a coffee. Ultimately, this connection makes it easier for people to connect with the sensory experience of drinking coffee. For many, naming a specific flavour can be challenging, but using colours can help refer to broader flavour categories, which can then be narrowed down to something more specific.

  • / LIGHTER/BRIGHTER COLOURS:
    Yellow, orange, and red are typically associated with fruity notes and higher acidity. These colours can help you visualize the vibrant, zesty flavours in the coffee.

 

  • / DARKER COLOURS:
    Brown, purple, and burgundy usually indicate a coffee with a heavier body and higher sweetness, suggesting a deeper, richer flavour experience.

 

Commonly used colours in coffee flavour descriptions include Green, Yellow, Orange, Pink, Red, Purple, Burgundy, Brown, and Beige. Enter the Zest Flavour Terrains.

 

ZEST FLAVOUR TERRAINS


At Zest we are fanatical about flavour. So much so that our visual branding is built around flavour and it’s connection with colour! We present the flavour of each individual coffee through our iconic patterns – the ‘flavour terrain’. While the recognizable twist and turns of the pattern represent a topographic map of origin, the true representation of each individual coffee lies within the colours present. Using the coffee tasters wheel and humans inherent connection between flavour and colour, we fill out the terrain with the flavour profile of each coffee. These graphics map out the flavours present in each of our coffees, helping you easily identify and appreciate the unique flavour profiles.

Why? We want you to make connections with your coffee drinking experience and savour the wonderful world of coffee flavours. Consequently, our colour terrains can also be used as a guide in selecting and savouring specialty coffee.

 

  • EXPLORING FLAVOUR PROFILES IN COFFEE

Our new flavour diagram goes a step further. We designed this helpful diagram to help you explore and identify the diverse flavour profiles in our coffees. By understanding how these flavour profiles come together, you can better appreciate the nuances in each cup of specialty coffee.

Here are two examples of flavours you can find in coffee and the breakdown of their meaning:

STRAWBERRY JAM

A strawberry jam profile in a coffee would offer:

  • / AROMATICS:
    Rich, berry-like aromas that evoke the scent of fresh strawberries.
  • / TASTE:
    A combination of high sweetness and vibrant acidity that mirrors the taste of rip fruit.
  • / MOUTHFEEL:
    A heavy, jammy body that provides a satisfying, full-mouth experience.

 

PINEAPPLE SODA

A pineapple soda profile in a coffee would offer:

  • / AROMATICS:
    Bright, tropical scents with citrusy overtones.
  • / TASTE:
    High acidity paired with medium sweetness, delivering a refreshing, lively flavour.
  • / MOUTHFEEL:
    A light, effervescent body that mimics the sparkling sensation of soda.

 

  • WHY FLAVOUR PROFILES ARE KEY IN SPECIALTY COFFEE

Understanding and identifying flavour profiles in coffee is essential for anyone who wants to deepen their appreciation of specialty coffee. Our flavour diagram is designed to guide you through this journey, helping you to recognize and enjoy the complex flavours that make our coffee unique.

 

So next time you brew yourself a coffee or order from your favourite cafe, stop and think about the flavours present. Smell, feel and of course taste. As you consider this diagram, attempt to connect the experience to colours. Then continue to narrow it down. What does it smell like? What does it feel like in the mouth? Have you experienced this flavour profile before?

 

By exploring the flavours in coffee through our flavour diagram, you’ll gain a greater understanding of what makes specialty coffee so special. Each cup is an opportunity to discover new flavour notes and enhance your coffee experience. With every new cup of coffee, elevate your experience by slowing down and considering the flavour profile of your brew.