How to taste coffee

Celeste Wong

Published: December 11, 2023 at 5:09 PM

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Enjoy coffee in a new way – expert Celeste Wong shares secrets to the art of coffee-tasting, and the differences between coffees depending on processing methods

Want to learn more about coffee, but don't know where to start? Get expert advice from olive’s expert, Celeste Wong. Read below to discover the art of coffee-tasting, including the ways that coffee is processed and flavour notes to look out for.

Also, discover Celeste's guide to buying the best beans as well as how to order coffee, how to read a coffee label, how to store coffee and how to use up coffee grounds. You can also check out her guides for how to make pour-over coffee, how to use a French press, how to use a moka pot and how to use an AeroPress. For perfecting your lattes, check out our guide on how to do latte art.

How to taste coffee like an expert

Fruity coffee

If you wonder what a fruity coffee is like, try Ethiopian coffee, which often has notes of blueberry. This is a good one to try as a filter coffee to see if you can taste it.

top view of cup of coffee and moka pot on concrete surface with spilled coffee beans and plate of croissants

The main coffee processes

Washed coffee (wet processing) is often described as clean, clear or vibrant because the bean is thoroughly cleaned before drying. You’re tasting the coffee bean without influence of other parts of the cherry in the processing.
Natural (dry processing) can be described as having more acidity, sweetness, fruity flavours and body (this is often my favourite).
Pulped natural or honeyed processing is a mix of the two where some of the mucilage (the cherry pulp around the bean) is left on while drying. There are different levels of this process but it generally can make coffee taste sweeter.

Listen to Celeste on the olive podcast, where she shares expert advice on choosing beans, brewing methods and even how the time you drink it can improve your experience!

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Celeste Wong in a kitchen with a pour over coffee

Celeste Wong

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