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Coffee
Attribute Glossary
The following terms are often used to help
describe the many attributes and characteristics of coffee,
and are commonly used by coffee buyers and tasters. We hope
you find this resource helpful in selecting the right coffee
for you.
Acidity
Acidity is the liveliness or ‘snap’ in coffee.
Not to be confused with the pH level, "palate acidity"
is the brightness of flavor -- without it, coffee tastes
flat and dull. All good coffees have some acidity, but to
varying degree. Acidity in our coffees ranges from low (smooth)
to high (lively).
Aged
A pleasant, distinctive "old" or "cellared"
aroma, found in aged coffees.
Berry/Citrus
A sweet berry or citrus flavor.
Body
A sense of heaviness or viscosity that lingers on the back
of the tongue. Medium and dark roast styles will have a
heavier body than lighter roasted coffees, but conversely
will have less acidity. The best way to determine the degree
of body in a coffee is to take a small sip and let it rest
a moment on you tongue.
Complex
A taste or aroma with many aspects (as opposed to simple).
Dry
A coffee with a parching or drying finish.
Earthy
An aromatic fresh soil or wet earth characteristic.
Flavor
Flavors and aromas are as varied in coffee as they are in
wine. Naturally, coffee tastes and smells like coffee. But
other flavors and scents -such as chocolate, fruit, or flowers
-are what make coffee drinking such an enjoyable experience.
The next time you have a cup of coffee, take a deep whiff
before your first sip. Use your nose to give your mouth
a preview, to enhance the flavors on your palate.
Full
A prefix to good characteristics such as acidity, body,
or range of flavors, to indicate a strong character.
Herbal
An aroma reminiscent of grass, dried herbs or grains, or
fresh foliage.
Mild
A rounded and balanced coffee, sometimes with acidity and/or
sweetness, and without pungent or dry flavors.
Rich
An indicator of a coffee with depth and complexity of flavor,
full body, and an overall satisfying taste.
Smooth
A coffee low in palate acidity.
Strength
The ratio of ground coffee to water.
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