Are you passionate about coffee and want to elevate your tasting skills? Learning how to professionally evaluate coffee will transform how you enjoy every cup.

Whether you’re a budding barista, home brewer, or just a coffee enthusiast, understanding what makes a great cup starts with coffee cupping. In this guide, Merlo Q‑Grader Simon Brooks shares how professionals assess coffee through aroma, flavour, and more.

The Secrets of Coffee Cupping

Simon Brooks has mastered the art of coffee cupping as part of his role ensuring Merlo’s beans meet the highest standards.

Professional cupping focuses on two key areas first: aroma and flavour. Aroma is evaluated before tasting begins, followed by a full assessment of the coffee’s flavour and other qualities.

Step 1: Evaluating the Coffee’s Aroma

Aroma is the first impression of any coffee. Simon looks for variety and complexity—a one‑dimensional coffee with only a single note, like plain chocolate, won’t score highly.

High‑quality coffee will offer a range of aromas, which might include:

• Floral or fruity notes
• Nutty or caramel tones
• Hints of chocolate, spice, or even surprising scents like coriander seeds, pipe tobacco, or cucumber

The more diverse and complex the aroma, the higher the score. Dull coffee rarely delights anyone.

Step 2: Critiquing the Flavour Profiles

Flavour evaluation begins once you take that first sip. Simon looks for a balanced mix of flavours - enough complexity to be interesting, but not so many competing notes that the cup feels chaotic.

Common flavour notes include:

• Berries or citrus
• Hazelnut, nutmeg, or caramel
• Herbal or spiced undertones

Pro tip: Lighter roasts often make individual characteristics easier to identify, while darker roasts create more body and a rounded, blended flavour.

Step 3: Assessing the Remaining Characteristics

Professional cupping also considers four other elements that complete the profile of a great cup:

• Aftertaste: Does the flavour linger pleasantly or disappear quickly?
• Body: Is the texture light and tea‑like or rich and full?
• Acidity: Is it bright and lively, or flat and dull?
• Balance: Do all the elements work together harmoniously?

A high‑scoring coffee will perform well across all these areas, leaving you with a clean, enjoyable cup.

Elevating Your Coffee Experience

Coffee cupping is more than a professional skill, it’s a way to deepen your appreciation for every cup. Whether you host a session with friends or try it solo, it’s a fun and eye‑opening experience.

For hands‑on guidance, join one of our Coffee Cupping Classes at the Merlo Training Centre in Fortitude Valley. Learn to taste like a professional, refine your palate, and discover what truly makes a great coffee.