Coffee cupping is a specialized method used by coffee professionals to taste and evaluate the quality of coffee. It involves a strict set of parameters outlined by Ted Lingle in "The Coffee Cupper’s Handbook". While anyone can cup coffee, it's primarily used by traders, roasters, and baristas to detect defects or develop their palates. Cupping is often compared to wine tasting, but it tends to remain within the professional sphere. The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has established cupping protocols to ensure a standardized process across the industry. Recent updates to these protocols aim to modernize the practice and account for a broader range of evaluation criteria. Despite the rigorous standards, individual cuppers may adjust protocols to suit their specific needs. Cupping is not only about evaluating coffee's taste but also its market value, processing methods, and more.
Read also Lux Cafe Club's cupping guide here.
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