I had seen pictures, watched videos, and heard stories, but I hadn’t ever experienced a coffee cupping myself – until last Thursday.

It wasn’t super fancy or organized, but chill and simple. With my two barista buddies and coffee provided by Guddina and Moustache, my first coffee cupping experience was a success.

Although amazingly fun, it was also somewhat difficult.

My palette is not experienced with discerning flavors and tastes that subtle. Despite being a specialty coffee enthusiast for just about year now, picking out particular flavors is difficult.

I could narrow coffees down to types of flavors, but I could hardly get more specific than “earthy,” “fruity,” or “spicy”. However, there was one point when I noticed the flavor “leaves” and Trenton tasted “pine”. I considered that a small victory.

Let’s look at the specific coffees and what notes I took. Take my opinions about these types of things with a grain of salt (for now).

1. Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Borena Zone- Alana’s Coffee Roasting Co (Moustache Free-Sample)

I’ve never been disappointed in a Yirgacheffe coffee. This one was no exception.

My Notes: Strawberries, fruity and green apples

Roaster’s Notes: Fresh strawberries, whipped cream and sweet floral aromatics

2. Ethiopia Ardi Natural Sidamo – Boston Stoker (Guddina Subscription)

My 2nd place choice goes to this beautiful Ardi. Although it was nearly two weeks since roast when we cupped it, these beans were still bursting with flavor and yums.

My Notes: Nutty, old

Roaster’s Notes: Strawberry, peanut butter and chocolate

3. Malawi Mzuzu – Deeper Roots (Guddina Subscription)

This coffee was also very flavorful and full of life, but came slightly behind the Ardi according to my ignorant palette.

My Notes: Little hints of fruit, nutty

Roaster’s Notes: Pu-erh Tea, Medjool Date, and Lemoncello (Anyone know what any of this is??)

4. El Salvador Finca El Talapo – Tanager Coffee (Guddina Subscription)

This coffee was solid, but didn’t quite have the complexities of the three coffees before it.

My Notes: Leaves, chocolate

Roaster’s Notes: Tangerine, cane sugar, cola sweetness and caramel

5. Mexico Finca Santa Teresa – One Line Coffee (Guddina Subscription)

We all agreed that this coffee from Mexico was the runt of the group. I’m not picking at One Line Coffee, I hear they have great beans, but this one just didn’t impress. It was also the first one I tasted, which should explain what I wrote down on my notes…

My Notes: I suck at this, Earth yo

Roaster’s Notes: A dark roast coffee with bittersweet chocolate and cane sugar flavors

I’m No Pro

There you have it. I am obviously really, really bad this whole cupping business. I think part of my failure is due to my previous lack of burning desire to be able to discern specific and individual flavors skillfully. That was before. Now, I am resolved to become a craftsman in the way I name flavor notes and discuss aromas. I will grow and learn to approach cupping confidently.

I am embarrassed about my poorly-aware tongue. But I won’t lie to you and pretend to be an expert. We are all growing, all learning, all discovering. And sometimes we have to be humbled before we can progress.

Happy brewing!

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