Coffee is a symphony of flavors, each note playing its part in creating the melody we savor in every sip. But have you ever wondered how to describe that burst of berry or that hint of hazelnut? Enter the Coffee Taster’s Flavor Wheel by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), a tool designed to help us articulate the myriad of flavors we experience in our cup.
The Beauty of the Flavor Wheel
The Coffee Taster’s Flavor Wheel, a collaboration between the Specialty Coffee Association of America and World Coffee Research, is more than just a chart; it's a comprehensive representation of coffee flavors. At first glance, it's a kaleidoscope of terms and colors, but it's designed to be intuitive and enjoyable to use. Here is the guide for how to use the SCA Coffee Flavor Wheel.
Before diving into specifics, take a moment to appreciate the wheel. Let its words and colors wash over you. It's a reflection of the vast complexity of coffee flavors.
The wheel is designed to guide you from the general to the specific. Start at the center with broad descriptors and work your way outwards to more specific ones. For instance, you might first identify a fruity note, then narrow it down to citrus, and finally pinpoint it as 'lemon'.
The Science Behind the Wheel: The Lexicon
The Flavor Wheel is grounded in the World Coffee Research Sensory Lexicon. This lexicon provides definitions and references for each attribute on the wheel. While some terms might seem technical, the lexicon offers clear explanations and sensory references.
Our sense of sight is closely linked to taste. The colors on the wheel are carefully chosen to represent flavors. If a coffee tastes like a 'red fruit', you can scan the red-colored attributes on the wheel to identify the exact flavor.
The Flavor Wheel establishes a common language for coffee enthusiasts. While creative descriptors are fun, having a shared set of terms ensures clear communication about coffee flavors.
Dive Deeper: Explore the References
Each attribute on the wheel has a reference, many of which are easily accessible. These references can help you familiarize yourself with specific flavors, enhancing your tasting skills.
As coffee enthusiasts, baristas, and professionals engage with the Flavor Wheel, new techniques and insights will emerge. It's a tool that will continue to evolve with the coffee community.
The Coffee Taster’s Flavor Wheel by the SCA is a gateway to the world of coffee flavors. It's a guide, a tool, and a companion on your journey through the aromatic and flavorful universe of coffee. So, the next time you sip your coffee, let the wheel guide you in unraveling the flavors dancing on your palate.
