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Coffee taste and aroma guide

Find out about the coffee tastes and aromas.

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Coffee is packed with great flavours and aromas that are different across the types of coffee bean. It has been discovered that there are over 800 nuances which affect coffee tastes and aromas, compared to the 150 found in wine. 

The importance of coffee roasting

The coffee taste that we know and love is created by the roasting process - unroasted coffee is tasteless. The natural chemical change at which sugars in the coffee beans start caramelising significantly is called pyrolysis. It is estimated that a coffee bean contains more than 2000 natural substances which can alter its taste and aroma after roasting.

The coffee roasting process is most commonly conducted between 200 degrees celsius and 240 degrees celsius with a conventional roaster taking up to 14 minutes to roast the beans. During the roasting process coffee beans become up to 23% lighter and 100% larger.

Although there are no standardised definitions of degrees of roast, the most common terms are: Light, Medium, Viennese, Dark, Continental and Italian. The darker the roast the more the unique flavours of a bean are removed - which is why dark roast were originally designed to hide the flaws of inferior coffees.

Coffee On Beans (2)

Regional acidity and body characteristics

Coffees from the America regions are usually a 50 / 50 split between acidity and body. African coffees usually have more acidity whilst coffees from Indonesia often have more body.

Commercial Espresso Coffee Beans

The scent of coffee

The gourmet coffee experience is multifaceted and sophisticated. It includes many pleasurable nuances which can be appreciated by amateur and connoisseur alike.

The are main five main attributes of coffee which contribute to your overall experience:

Aroma

The sensation of smell emanating from the coffee, not just before drinking but after when present in the mouth. The aroma in coffee can greatly enhance the overall characteristics of a coffee.

E.g. Spicy, Nutty, Floral

Taste

The perception of sweet, sour, salt and bitter and the nuances which contribute to overall taste of coffee beans on the tongue. Aroma can greatly affect the taste outcome of a coffee.

E.g. Sweet, Mellow, Tangy

Finish

The aftertaste, or the feel that lingers in the mouth well after initially experiencing the coffee. A good coffee will have pleasant attributes in it’s finish.

E.g. Liquorice, Dry, Soft

Acidity

A positive attribute of coffee, a pleasant sharp taste or bite in the mouth. A ‘snap’ or ‘tingle’. A good comparison is the dryness in wines. The darker the roast, the less acidity in the coffee.

Body

The weight of the coffee physically in the mouth. Rich, full feeling at the back of the palate. Body tends to increase in the darker roasts.

Our Range Of Coffee Beans

Bag Of Commercial Grand Cru Espresso Beans

Grand Cru Espresso Beans

This is our 100% Arabica espresso coffee blend. It has the best Kenyan AA Grade beans for acidity, citrus notes and a chocolate after taste.

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Commercial Premier Cru Coffee Beans

Premier Cru

This is a blend of Brazilian Fine Cup beans from the Minas Gerais Plateau, Ugandan robustas from the Lake Victoria region, arabicas from Honduras and Bourbon varietal Arabica beans.

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Bag Of Commercial Fairtrade Espresso Beans

Fairtrade

Discover our Fairtrade premium coffee beans today. We have a wide range of Fairtrade coffee beans, espresso beans and coffee in a bag available to order online.

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BEANSD

Decaffeinated Beans - 6 x 1Kg

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BEANSGT

6kg Good Taste Beans

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JJBEANS

Bistro Montana - 340005 - (6x 1kg)

A coffee that tastes a little stronger and yet is harmonious: Cafe Cream Bistro Montana. Darker roast

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XDEC

100x7g single sachets Decaffeinated Espresso

A darker decaffeinated coffee with hints of roasted almonds

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XDECPOU

250g Decaffeinated Espresso Pouch

Each fully biodegradable bag contains Rainforest Alliance Certified. 100% Fresh Ground Arabica coffee.

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BEANSCL

6 kg Clementines Espresso beans

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BEANSD

Decaffeinated Beans 1kg Bag

1KG Decaffeinated Beans

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250G Portal

Grand Cru Espresso Beans 250g

Grand Cru 250g Pouch

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Espresso Organic Bio Beans 12x500g

Espresso Organic Bio Beans 12x500g

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1kg Grand Cru Beans

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JJCBEANSEB500

Cafe Verde Espresso Bio Organic Beans 12 x 500g

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Bag Of Commercial Grand Cru Espresso Beans

Grand Cru Espresso Beans

This is our 100% Arabica espresso coffee blend. It has the best Kenyan AA Grade beans for acidity, citrus notes and a chocolate after taste.

View
Commercial Premier Cru Coffee Beans

Premier Cru

This is a blend of Brazilian Fine Cup beans from the Minas Gerais Plateau, Ugandan robustas from the Lake Victoria region, arabicas from Honduras and Bourbon varietal Arabica beans.

View
Bag Of Commercial Fairtrade Espresso Beans

Fairtrade

Discover our Fairtrade premium coffee beans today. We have a wide range of Fairtrade coffee beans, espresso beans and coffee in a bag available to order online.

View

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