Profiling Coffee: The Creator Journey

Profiling coffee with a celebrity is about blending our expertise at Collab Coffee with their reach and personality. While they connect with their audience and provide their passion for coffee, we bring the deep knowledge needed to craft the perfect coffee experience.

There are a few things that lay a great foundation to this process, starting with making it simple and enjoyable for everyone. 

So let me take you on a profiling journey and let you play being a celebrity for a day!

What is Coffee Profiling?

Coffee profiling is like creating a flavour map. It involves understanding and describing the taste, aroma, and characteristics of different coffees. Think of it as the coffee equivalent of wine tasting. You don’t need to be an expert to appreciate the nuances; you just need to pay a little more attention to what’s in your cup.

Getting Started: The Basics

Types of Coffee Beans:

• Arabica:

Known for its smooth, complex flavours and lower caffeine content.

• Robusta:

Stronger, harsher taste with higher caffeine content, often used in espresso blends.

These two are commercially used worldwide and what you will often find in your coffee. With many options to choose from, this is an area which for some may get confusing, especially when you consider current research and global factors like warming, weather and disease.

Coffee Bean Roast Levels:

• Light Roast:

Higher acidity, more pronounced bean origin flavours. Look for hints of fruit and floral notes.

• Medium Roast:

Balanced flavour, aroma, and acidity.

• Dark Roast:

Bold, robust flavour with lower acidity. Expect chocolatey, nutty, and smoky notes.

Coffee roasting is a bit of an art form for those involved, but for most beginners this is a good place to start, especially to give an understanding of the difference in flavour versus roast level.

Once you understand these basics, the best starting point is looking at where you currently grab a brew. A franchise or home? Which franchise? And what are you buying? This creates a great understanding when profiling, of the coffee you’re currently drinking, roast levels and origins you may prefer as well as flavour notes you’re likely to enjoy and should be aimed for.

The Five S's of Coffee Tasting

To truly profile coffee, follow these five steps:

1. Smell:Inhale deeply. Coffee's aroma can give you a preview of its flavour. Do you detect hints of fruit, nuts, chocolate, or spices?
2. Slurp:Yes really, slurp! It helps spread or aerate the coffee across your palate, maximising flavour detection.
3. Savour:Let the coffee sit on your tongue. Notice the different flavours as they evolve.
4. Swish:Move the coffee around in your mouth. This helps you identify its body (how it feels in your mouth).
5. Spit (Optional): Professional tasters often spit to avoid caffeine overload, but this step is optional for casual tasting.

Coffee Tasting Notes: What to Look For

When profiling coffee, consider these key attributes:

1. Aroma: The smell of the coffee before and after brewing. Common aromas include floral, fruity, nutty, spicy, and chocolaty.
2. Flavour: The overall taste, which can range from sweet and fruity to bitter and earthy.
3. Acidity: The tanginess or brightness of the coffee. Not to be confused with sourness, good acidity is often described as crisp or lively.
4. Body: The weight or thickness of the coffee in your mouth. It can be light, medium, or full.
5. Aftertaste: The lingering flavour after you’ve swallowed the coffee. This can be pleasant or unpleasant, depending on the coffee.

Practical Tips for Beginners

1. Start Simple: Begin with single-origin coffees. These are made from beans sourced from one location, offering a pure taste of that region.
2. Keep a Journal: Jot down your tasting notes. Record the coffee's origin, roast level, and your sensory experiences.
3. Experiment: Try different brewing methods (drip, French press, espresso, etc.) to see how they alter the flavour profile.
4. Stay Open-Minded: Your taste preferences might evolve as you explore different coffees.

Fun Activity: Coffee Tasting Party

Invite some friends over for a coffee tasting party. Set up a few different coffees and go through the Five S’s together. It’s a fun way to learn and share your discoveries.

1. Setup: Brew 3-4 different types of coffee. Label them A, B, C, etc.
2. Tasting Sheets: Provide tasting sheets for everyone to note their observations.
3. Discussion: Share your thoughts on each coffee. You’ll be surprised by the different interpretations!

Conclusion

Profiling coffee doesn’t require expert knowledge, just a curious palate and a willingness to explore. As you dive deeper, you'll find your favourite flavours and maybe even become a coffee connoisseur. Remember, the goal is to enjoy and appreciate the diversity in every cup. So grab your mug, take a sip, and start your journey into the wonderful world of coffee profiling. Happy tasting!