Coffee Flavor Wheel

According to research, there are over 1,000 substances found in coffee that influence its flavor. From a broader perspective, the flavor of coffee is affected by various factors, including the coffee variety, origin, processing methods, roasting degree, and brewing techniques. This complexity is part of what makes coffee so interesting; its taste can be influenced at any stage. Even when brewing the same roasted beans, different people may extract distinct flavors.

To accurately describe and differentiate coffee flavors, several authoritative coffee organizations recognized the need for a systematic and standardized tool. In 1995, the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) and the World Coffee Research (WCR) collaborated to develop the Coffee Flavor Wheel, which is the world’s first standardized tool for describing coffee flavors. The Coffee Flavor Wheel is a graphical tool that categorizes coffee flavor attributes and details into organized rings and segments, helping coffee enthusiasts and professionals better identify, evaluate, and communicate the flavors of coffee.