If you're venturing into the world of artisan coffee beans, you've probably encountered a confusing array of flavour descriptors on coffee bags and café menus. Terms like "fruity," "nutty," and "floral" are used to describe the complex flavours and aromas that our single-origin coffee and blends can offer. But what do these descriptors really mean, and how do they affect your coffee-drinking experience?
In this guide, we'll simplify the most common artisan coffee flavour descriptors, explain what they mean for the drinker, and help you navigate the tasty world of different coffee flavours.
Understanding Coffee Flavour Descriptors
Fruit and Berry Coffee
Fruity notes are some of the most common descriptors in coffee, especially in light and medium roasts. These fruit and berry coffee flavours can range from bright and tangy to sweet and mellow, reminiscent of various fruits, and are commonly associated with African varietals, as seen with our Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee.
- Citrus: Think lemon, lime, and orange. Coffees with citrus notes are often described as bright and lively.
- Berry: Notes of blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry add a sweet-tart complexity.
- Stone Fruit: Flavours like peach, apricot, and plum offer a juicy, rounded sweetness.
- Tropical: Mango, pineapple, and papaya notes bring an exotic, sweet flavour profile.
For the drinker, fruity coffees are refreshing and vibrant, often best enjoyed black to appreciate their full spectrum of flavours.
Nutty and Spiced Coffee
Nutty and spiced coffee notes are often paired together to evoke the taste of various nuts and provide a comforting, smoky taste. If you like your coffee with a kick, we’ve found that many Asian coffees come with a spicier profile, while South America is more commonly associated with nuttier flavour notes.
- Almond: Often found in medium roasts, almond notes are mild and slightly sweet.
- Hazelnut: This flavour is rich, sweet, and slightly buttery, adding a decadent touch.
- Peanut: Peanut notes can be earthy and robust, contributing to a hearty flavour.
Nutty coffees are often smooth and well-rounded, making them a great choice for those who prefer a balanced, less acidic cup.
Coffee With Floral Notes
Coffee with floral notes bring a delicate, fragrant level of sophistication to your brew, and are often associated with high-quality Arabica beans. While this is not always the case, many coffee beans grown in Africa tend to have a floral fragrance, while a more herbal smell is associated with Asian-grown coffee.
- Jasmine: This flavour is light, sweet, and highly aromatic, similar to the fragrance of jasmine flowers.
- Rose: Subtle and sweet, rose notes add a unique, perfumed quality.
- Chamomile: A gentle, honey-like floral note that adds a soothing aspect to the coffee.
Floral coffees are typically light and elegant, perfect for drinkers who enjoy a nuanced and aromatic experience.
Chocolatey Coffee
Caramel and chocolate notes in coffee are beloved by many coffee lovers, providing a rich and comforting taste. As you might already know, South American coffees are known for their chocolatey notes, as seen with our Brazil Santo Antonio single-origin variety.
- Dark Chocolate: This flavour is deep, rich, and slightly bitter, found often in dark roasts.
- Milk Chocolate: Sweeter and creamier than dark chocolate, this note adds a smooth, velvety texture.
- Cocoa: Similar to dark chocolate but more earthy and slightly bitter.
Chocolatey coffees are robust and satisfying, great for those who enjoy a full-bodied cup.
Strong & Dark Roast Coffee
Dark coffee notes add a warm, intense dimension to coffee, which is reflective of the longer roasting process that provides a stronger, more robust flavour profile. These notes are commonly found in east Africa, in drier countries like Ethiopia, while you can also find earthier notes in many Asian-grow varietals.
- Cinnamon: A sweet, warm spice that adds a comforting, aromatic touch.
- Clove: A strong, slightly sweet spice that provides depth and complexity.
- Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and earthiness, enhancing the coffee's overall profile.
Strong coffees are intriguing and complex, ideal for adventurous drinkers looking for something unique.
Do You Have A Favourite Coffee Flavour?
Understanding coffee flavour descriptors can greatly enhance your coffee-drinking experience, allowing you to appreciate the intricate nuances of each cup. Whether you prefer the bright acidity of fruity coffees, the comforting richness of chocolaty notes, or the delicate elegance of floral flavours, there's a world of incredible single-origin coffee and blends waiting to be explored.
