How to Cup Coffee by SCAA Standards

When you taste coffee samples for quality control—or just want to evaluate beans like a pro—you need a consistent method. The SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) developed a standardized cupping procedure to ensure fairness, repeatability, and clarity in coffee assessment. Whether you’re a roaster, buyer, or curious enthusiast, understanding these steps helps you taste with precision.

The SCAA cupping standard requires medium roast coffee (reference SCAA Roast Color Tile #55), ground to 70–75% through a US Standard No. 20 sieve, brewed at 8.25g coffee to 150ml water at 93°C, rested 4 minutes, then slurped at 71°C. That’s the baseline for professional evaluation.

What Is SCAA Cupping and Why It Matters

SCAA cupping is the industry’s standardized method for evaluating coffee flavor, aroma, and body. Developed by the Specialty Coffee Association of America, it removes variables so coffee professionals can compare beans fairly. This protocol ensures that every cup is prepared the same way—so taste differences come from the coffee itself, not the brew.

Roast Requirements for SCAA Cupping

To meet SCAA standards, use a medium roast—specifically, aim for color reference SCAA Roast Color Tile #55. The roast should take 8 to 12 minutes and must not be burnt or show scorch marks. After roasting, cool the beans quickly and store them in an airtight container away from light. Let the coffee rest for at least 8 hours post-roast, but cup within 24 hours. That means if you roast at noon, cup between 8 PM the same day and noon the next.

Grinding and Sample Prep

Grind the coffee right before cupping. You must use it within 15 minutes of grinding—or cover it if waiting up to 30 minutes max. The grind size must be such that 70–75% of particles pass through a US Standard No. 20 sieve. For each coffee, prepare six equal-weight cups: one for rinsing the spoon, and five for actual cupping. Arrange five cups per sample to assess uniformity.

Brewing the Cupping Bowl

The SCAA standard brew ratio is 8.25 grams of ground coffee to 150 milliliters (5 fluid ounces) of water at 93°C (200°F). Steep the coffee for 3 to 5 minutes, typically 4 minutes. Adjust coffee weight slightly based on your cup size—for example, with 180ml water, use around 9.9g (10g) coffee. After brewing, break the crust with a spoon and skim off the grounds. Let the liquid cool to about 71°C (160°F) before beginning the sensory evaluation by slurping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What roast level is required for SCAA cupping?

The SCAA requires a medium roast, specifically matching color reference tile #55. The roast duration must be 8–12 minutes, with no scorching or burnt spots visible.

How long should coffee rest after roasting before cupping?

Coffee must rest at least 8 hours after roasting, but must be cupped within 24 hours. For example, beans roasted at noon can be cupped between 8 PM the same day and noon the next.

What is the correct grind size for SCAA cupping?

The grind must be fine enough that 70–75% of the particles pass through a US Standard No. 20 sieve. This is roughly a medium-fine grind suitable for cupping.

How much coffee and water are used in SCAA cupping?

The standard is 8.25 grams of coffee to 150 milliliters of water at 93°C. Adjust coffee weight proportionally for different cup volumes, such as using ~9.9g for 180ml.

What is the ideal brewing and cupping time?

Steep the coffee for 3 to 5 minutes (usually 4), then break the crust and let the liquid cool to about 71°C before slurping and evaluating.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for SCAA Cupping

For SCAA-standard cupping, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Guji Humbera, known for vibrant citrus, floral tones, and juicy body; their Yirgacheffe displays classic berry and lemon brightness with a tea-like finish; and their Colombia Huila Excelso offers balanced caramel and nut notes with medium acidity. These single origins highlight the clarity SCAA cupping is designed to reveal. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.