Coffee sensory map What exactly is it?

everything coffee lover It goes through a wonderful process in which you begin to know the different aromas of this food, its roasts or its types. Furthermore, everyone has their favorite preparations, and it is even possible to decide the most appropriate one for each circumstance: a cappuccino for breakfast or an espresso for after eating. We are sure that, if you are a fan of this traditional drink, you have more than mastered all these aspects.

But, Have you heard about the coffee sensory map? If you don't know this concept, today you can go to the next level in your journey as an amateur “coffee maker”. In Incapto We will show you what exactly it is and give you all the information you need to go one step further, becoming an expert.

What is a coffee sensory map?

The coffee sensory map is a wheel of flavors that is represented graphically and is associated with a glossary of terms that define the different nuances. This wonderful visual manual was created towards the end of the nineties by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) and the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia.

With this map all people interested in coffee, professionals or amateurs, can understand the qualities of each product or define them. It organizes them taking into account aspects that are observed through the different senses, such as smell or taste.

You will find the following features on the coffee sensory map:

• The visual appearance of coffee for all purposes, from the texture observed to the color.
• The aromas that coffee gives off when it is brewed with all its nuances. It is something that can vary for each person, and will also depend on how keen your sense of smell is.
• The taste and acidity level. A nuance that is also perceived depending on the taste buds.

As you see, this map contemplate the entire experience to observe, smell and taste this drink, something that goes beyond the practical consumption of a cup to wake up in the morning.

All the elements that make up the coffee sensory map

For a sensory map of coffee to have all the characteristics that define it, it must include a series of elements that can inform us about each type of coffee. They are the ones we show you below:

• Acidity: a characteristic that is exacerbated in certain types of coffee such as Arabica and that is qualified with adjectives such as malic, citrus touch or vinous.
• Body: The body of the coffee is detected when tasting it, depending on its consistency at the time of consumption or how much the intensity holds up on the palate.
• Scent: The aroma is perceived before having to taste the drink and can be associated with certain trends, such as fruity or floral.
• Flavor: the perception that arrives in the general calculation of the body, the acidity or the aroma when it is being tasted.
• Sweetness: characteristic opposite to acidity and that can be perceived in compatibility with it, always measured naturally and without the use of external sweeteners.
• Residual flavor: It is the taste that remains on the palate after consuming the coffee, immediately.
• Balance: the perception of the coffee in its entirety, ignoring the aroma and sweetness.

The qualities of coffee on the sensory map

The qualities of coffee in the sensory map can be divided into three to make the definitive classification: aroma, taste and sight.

The aroma of coffee

Coffee can give off different aromas depending on its origin and the influence of the ingredients, as there are some that tend more toward herbs or, for example, fruits. You can also find products that are especially aromatic and they permeate the room with their smell when they are made, while other variants have a powerful and intense flavor that practically does not give off any fragrance.

The taste of coffee

The flavor of coffee can have a number of nuances, since it will be a very complete sensation of this drink on our palate. Detecting it more accurately will also depend on the taste buds of each person, since not all of us receive flavors in the same way. At this point you can notice different levels of acidity, sweetness or bitterness. To detect it, it is crucial to taste the coffee without any other elements such as milk, cream or sugar.

The coffee in sight

The visual perception of coffee is carried out with the fully brewed cup, in which you can perceive the final color of the drink and the appearance of the foam layer or cream that is usually created on the surface. There are more watery, oily or creamy styles, and this is usually perfectly visible without the need to taste the result.

What is the coffee sensory map for?

The coffee sensory map is a useful tool that allows us to categorize different types of products, analyze them and be able to get the best out of them of them. In this way, it is easier to know which one is best for each occasion or how to create perfect combinations with other elements such as creams or candies.

If you are a fan of this drink and usually try different types of coffees, create your own map It can be very interesting, and very useful! You will know what sensations they create in you and what variants are your favorites, so you can get the most appropriate collection for you in your pantry.

In Incapto We have a high quality coffee that you can try by accessing our page to buy a coffee that you will want to repeat.