Why do we need a cup test?

Because the differences between coffees are very subtle, observe the characteristics of these coffees (flavor, alcohol, freshness...) Susceptible to different coffee extraction methods (appliances). Because of the elimination of these variables, a carefully prepared cup test can taste coffee's most basic inherent characteristics.

Scientific rigor, to a certain extent, guides us to conduct accurate cup tests. Water and coffee powder measurements must be accurate, in order to prevent odor, grinding machine must be thoroughly cleaned before grinding different coffee, injection of hot water should also maintain a high degree of consistency. Time is also a factor; once the coffee powder is soaked, the brewing process begins, and in the next 20 minutes, the coffee will undergo many changes in chemistry and flavor.

From start to finish, these factors will have a very important impact on the evaluation of coffee. To ensure that every cup of coffee on the table receives the same treatment, cupping technicians have developed protocols that make preparation rigorous, regular, and orderly.

Because the purpose is different, so we do not need to do cup test at home so strict etiquette. Taking a cup test at home will show you a new world of coffee and show you what makes coffee so special to us. You'll find flavors and subtle differences that are impossible in a cup of joe tea. If you bake your own beans at home, or even if you buy a variety of individual beans, plan to put them together. The cup test allows you to evaluate and classify coffee, making you better at blending.

Cupping is also very social. Although cup tests can be done individually, cup tests are best done in groups, and you can find differences between coffee samples and your opinions and thoughts on several coffees from the comparison. For many cupping beginners, cupping with others can open your eyes and help you catch subtle hints of taste that you might have missed-your cupping partner points out something you missed, and you might find it when you taste it again.

Taking cupping tests at home doesn't need to be rigorous-in fact, it means not following the rules and rituals of professional cupping tests.

If you take a cup test at home, you generally do it because you love coffee and the adventure of trying and discovering something new, or because you're just having fun. However, if your goal is to really compare the differences between different coffees, it is recommended that you be prepared to make a lot of effort from the beginning.

In the next section, we will guide you step by step on how to perform the cup test. Use these as basic tools for your cup test, but remember to be flexible. In the process of flexible application, it is even good to omit something or make some mistakes. You're about to get exposed to a real world of coffee that you already kind of like--evaluating coffee in ways you never thought possible.