How to taste coffee side by side
This is our guide to tasting coffees side by side. It shows you how to brew two or three coffees the same way, what to notice as you taste them, and how to pick the one you would like to drink every month.
Brew each coffee the same way
Keep everything else the same, so the only difference you taste is the beans.
- ✓Same grind setting (grind guide)
- ✓Same number of scoops and the same water (how much to use)
- ✓Brewed one after another into matching cups
- ✓A sticky note with the coffee's name under each cup
Taste each cup three times as it cools
Coffee tastes different as it cools. Taste along the row three times, with a sip of water between cups.
Notice the body, acidity and sweetness
These are the three things I taste for when I choose coffees for the club:
Writing notes or scores is optional. The point is to find the coffee you enjoy most.
Your favourite cup points to a flavour profile
Pick the cup you would happily drink again tomorrow, then match it to a profile.
The bar under each profile shows its roast, from light (one bar) to dark (five).
Frequently asked questions
How many coffees should I compare at once?
Two or three. With more than four cups, it gets hard to remember which one you liked.
Do I need a scale?
No. Use the same scoop and the same number of scoops for each coffee. A scale is more exact, but a scoop is close enough to compare.
Why taste it as it cools?
Heat makes some flavours harder to notice. As the coffee cools, acidity and sweetness are easier to taste.
What if I like two of them equally?
Choose the one that suits how you drink coffee most often, or alternate between the two.