What Good Coffee Should Taste Like

If you’ve ever drank a bad cup of coffee, you know one thing to be true: it’s something you never want to experience again.

It doesn’t matter if you’re brewing coffee at home or ordering a cup at your favorite shop, nothing changes the fact that you have high expectations.

There are many factors that affect the overall taste and quality of coffee. These include but are not limited to:

• Kind of beans
• Quality of the beans
• How long the beans were roasted
• The process used to brew the coffee

This brings us to an important question: what should good coffee taste like?

While there is no right or wrong answer to this question, as everyone has their own personal tastes, here are some things to consider:

• Aroma. This is the scent of the coffee, and it’s often used in evaluating flavor. While the scent alone does not determine the taste of the coffee, it definitely comes into play. There are many types of aroma, ranging from earthy to fruity and many others in between.
• Flavor. While you may only have an interest in one flavor, it’s important to note that there are hundreds to consider. For example: mild, dark, and bold are long standing favorites.
• Acidity. Do you know that dry feeling in your mouth after taking a sip of coffee? This is directly related to the amount of acidity. Acidity comes down to three things: the brewing method, the type of roaster, and the degree to which the coffee is roasted. While some see acidity as a bad thing, it can go a long way in providing the “punch” you crave.
• Body. Coffee enthusiasts often talk about the body. This is nothing more than the feel of the beverage when it’s in your mouth. For example, some brews are heavier or have more texture than others.
• Aftertaste. There’s nothing worse than coffee that initially tastes good, just to leave a bad aftertaste in your mouth. Even if you enjoy your first experience – the second the coffee hits your mouth – a bad aftertaste can ruin it.

These are some of the many details that can help you make a personal determination as to what good coffee should taste like.

Once you have a clear idea of what best suits your taste buds, you’ll never again have to worry about what to drink. You’ll know exactly what type of coffee will give you the taste you’re searching for.