How to make a coffee cupping session?

Selecting Coffee Beans: Start by selecting a variety of high-quality coffee beans from different regions or roasters. Ensure that the beans are freshly roasted and properly stored to preserve their flavor and aroma.

Grinding Coffee: Grind the coffee beans to a coarse consistency, similar to that used for French press coffee. It's essential to use the same grind size for all samples to maintain consistency during the cupping process.

Preparing Water: Heat fresh, clean water to just below boiling point (approximately 200°F or 93°C). Consistent water temperature is crucial for extracting the optimal flavors from the coffee grounds.

Coffee Cupping Setup: Arrange the coffee cups in a line or grid, placing a measured amount of ground coffee (usually around 8-10 grams) into each cup. Ensure that each cup is labeled with the coffee variety or origin to keep track during the tasting process.

Cupping Procedure:

• Aroma Evaluation: Smell the dry grounds in each cup to assess the coffee's fragrance and aroma notes. Note any distinctive scents such as floral, fruity, or nutty aromas.
• Wetting the Coffee: Pour hot water over the coffee grounds in each cup, allowing them to bloom and release trapped gases. Stir the coffee grounds gently to ensure even saturation.
• Tasting: After allowing the coffee to steep for a few minutes, break the crust that forms on the surface by gently stirring the grounds with a spoon. Use a spoon to slurp a small amount of coffee from each cup, aerating it to distribute the flavors across your palate.
• Flavor Assessment: Evaluate the flavor profile of each coffee, noting characteristics such as acidity, sweetness, bitterness, and body. Pay attention to flavor nuances and any distinctive tasting notes.
• Scoring: Rate each coffee based on its aroma, flavor, acidity, body, and overall quality. Use a standardized scoring system if available, or simply make notes on your observations.

Discussion and Analysis: Finally, gather with other participants to discuss and compare your tasting notes. Share your impressions, preferences, and insights into the different coffees.