Understanding Coffee Tasting Notes
A BEGinners guide
If you’ve ever picked up a bag of speciality coffee and seen flavour descriptions like “chocolatey,” “citrus,” or “floral,” you might have wondered, are those real flavours, and can I taste them too?
The world of coffee tasting notes can seem intimidating, but it’s actually a fun and approachable way to learn more about your coffee and enjoy it on a deeper level. This beginner coffee guide will walk you through the basics, no experience or barista skills required.
What Are Coffee Tasting Notes?
Tasting notes aren’t added flavours - they’re the natural characteristics of the coffee bean, influenced by where and how it was grown, processed, and roasted. When a bag of coffee says “hazelnut” or “berry,” those are flavour notes that you might pick up while sipping.
Think of them like a coffee flavour wheel, a map of all the possible flavours that can exist in a high-quality, well-brewed cup.
What Makes One Coffee Taste Different from Another?
Coffee is a natural product, and its taste is influenced by:
Origin – Beans from Ethiopia are often fruity and floral, while coffees from Brazil or Colombia may be nutty, sweet, or chocolatey.
Varietal – A coffee bean varietal refers to a specific, genetically distinct type of coffee plant within a species, like Arabica or Robusta.
Processing method - Natural (dry-processed) coffees tend to taste fruitier, while washed coffees are usually cleaner and brighter.
Roast level - Light roasts highlight origin flavours, while dark roasts develop bolder, roast-forward characteristics.
Brew method - The way you brew (French press, pour-over, espresso) can bring out different notes.
How to Taste Coffee Like a Pro (Even if You’re New)
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You don’t need fancy equipment or training to start exploring tasting notes. Here’s how to begin:
Smell it first, aroma is key. Swirl and sniff your brew. What does it remind you of?
Sip slowly, let it coat your tongue. Pay attention to sweetness, acidity, and aftertaste.
Start broad, then go specific - think: “Is this fruity or nutty?” Then narrow it down.
Use a tasting journal - Writing down what you notice helps you build your flavour memory.
Tip: Try tasting coffees side by side to spot differences. This is a great way to train your palate.
Examples of Common Coffee Tasting Notes
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Here are a few categories to help you understand what you might be tasting:
• Fruity, Berry, citrus, apple, dried fruit
• Nutty/Sweet, Hazelnut, caramel, toffee
• Chocolatey, Cocoa, dark chocolate, mocha
• Floral, Jasmine, rose, chamomile
• Earthy/Herbal, Cedar, black tea, spice
• Acidity, Described as “bright,” “crisp,” or “juicy” (think green apple or lemon)
And if all you taste is “coffee” at first? That’s normal. Flavour perception grows with practice.
Learning to Taste is a Journey
Tasting coffee is like learning a new language; it takes curiosity and repetition. Don’t worry if your notes don’t match the bag exactly. Your taste buds are unique, and your experience is valid.
Whether you’re on your way to becoming a coffee connoisseur or want to enjoy your morning cup more mindfully, understanding tasting notes adds a whole new layer of appreciation.
Ready to Start Exploring?
Looking for coffees to taste and compare? Check out our selection in-store or online, we’ve labelled every bag with tasting notes and brew tips to help you find your perfect match.
