Coffee is more than a caffeine fix, it’s flavour, aroma, and texture all working together. We’re all about helping you experiencing that full spectrum, because when coffee’s done right, every sip tells a story.
So, what are coffee flavours?
Flavour in coffee isn’t just about what hits your taste buds. It’s a mix of what you smell, what you taste, and how it feels in your mouth. Together, that’s what makes up a coffee’s flavour profile. In specialty coffee, this profile is everything. From juicy and fruity to bold and chocolatey, each cup has a personality and we’re here to help you find it.
How your senses work together
AROMA: The scent of coffee kicks things off. You might catch notes of berries, citrus, cocoa, or florals and all before you take a sip!
TASTE: Your tongue picks up key notes like sweetness, acidity, and bitterness which are building blocks of flavour.
MOUTHFEEL: This is how the coffee feels. Is it light and crisp? Or full and creamy? Texture shapes how we experience flavour.
Colours + flavour: how we see taste
Our brains naturally connect flavours with colours. That’s why many coffee flavour wheels use colour to help describe taste.
Here’s a quick way to picture it:
Brighter colours (yellows, oranges, reds) = fruity, zesty, high-acid coffees.
Darker colours (browns, purples, burgundy) = rich, sweet, full-bodied coffees.
Flavour profiles in action
Here’s how two flavour profiles break down using aroma, taste, and mouthfeel:
Strawberry Jam:
Aroma: Sweet and berry-rich
Taste: Juicy with bright acidity
Mouthfeel: Thick, jammy, and smooth
Pineapple Soda:
Aroma: Tropical, with citrus sparkle
Taste: Crisp acidity, light sweetness
Mouthfeel: Light and bubbly, almost fizzy
Why it matters
Understanding flavour helps you get more from your coffee. It turns a morning habit into a daily discovery. Next time you brew or order a cup, pause for a second. What do you notice? What colours come to mind? What do you feel? The more you explore flavour, the more coffee opens up.
(Sourced from Zest Coffee)