Professionals have fun, what about us? They taste the coffee prior for the buyers. The cuppers (their proper name) get to judge contests, write reviews and so on. However, this experience is available to anyone. Fancy sitting in front of dozens of half-cups of worldwide coffees?
As a cupper, one must taste the flavor, acidity, body, the finer attributes and finish, and smell the aromas. It is simple to reconstruct this experience in your home.
Start with lots of good quality water – fresh and filtered. Water can spoil even the best of grounds. Water can be stale because it can of airborne odors, sulfur or mildew. Never use softened or distilled water.
You will also need a tray with at least twelve glasses. Grab measuring spoons and scoops. Oh, yes, you need coffee, too!
Boil your water. Grind your beans in a burr. Try varied settings or the one recommended by one-cup coffee makers, if you happen to own one. Remember the right grind equals the perfect cup.
Steep the coffee in your machine for three minutes. Filter your coffee and let it settle. Spoon some into your glass. Sample it and smell the aroma. Concentrate hard on...