Most people have a preferred type of coffee, and they stick to it. You will find them using the same brewing method, ordering the same coffee in their local coffee shop, and so on.
If you are adventurous, you shouldn’t limit yourself, as coffee isn’t homogenous.
In the same way, you can’t group all wines or cheese in one category, you can’t put coffee in one box as it comes in a variety of types and flavors, and there is no harm in seeing what is on the other side.
When you try out different types of coffee, you not only have a better understanding of it but also develop a more nuanced palate that comes in handy in helping you identify the features you like and those you don’t.
What areas can you experiment with?
There are a number of areas you can play around with. They include:
Variety and Origin
Different coffee varieties have different tastes. For example, Cheddars and Chardonnays are known for their clean acidity, Geisha/Gesha for tea-like, floral notes, and Bourbons for their sweetness.
Taste the different varieties and find out the one you like.
Where the coffee grows also has a significant impact on its taste. While not all coffees from a particular region taste the same, they have defining characteristics that make them stand out.
For example, coffees from Central and South America tend to be well balanced, making them the perfect choice for those dipping their toes in the coffee world.
East African coffees are often clean, juicy, and fruity. While this is the case, specific regions have specific coffee features. For example, coffee from Burundi leans towards sweetness, while Kenyan coffee is more acidic.
Processing methods
How coffee is processed also has a significant impact on its taste. If you are new to coffee, coffee processing is how you remove the coffee bean from the cherry and dry it.
Different companies go about it differently, and it significantly impacts the taste of the final cup. Some of the ways coffee is processed include:
Natural processed coffees have a rich body, low acidity, and fruity flavors and are sweet.
Wet processed or washed coffees are clean, have light bodies, and feature bright acidity and floral or fruit flavors.
Honey-processed coffees have more body than the others processed using other methods. They also have intense sweet notes of honey and ripe fruit.
Brewing method
How you brew the coffee can highlight or diminish the flavor characteristics of the variety, processing technique, and origin.
The most popular coffee brewing method is the pour-over method, but there is no harm in exploring other methods that will help you discover more flavors and your taste.
There is also no harm in playing around with variables such as water temperature, grind size, and pouring technique.
To learn more about coffee and develop your palate, avoid espresso as it’s difficult to taste due to its short and highly intense nature.
Roast profile
The main roast types are dark and light roasts. Light toasts have the brightest, more acidic flavors, while medium roasts are more smooth and balanced. Dark roasts have an overwhelming taste.
To get the most from your adventure, slowly move towards lighter roasts that will allow you to experience more of the unique characteristics of the coffee.
How do you have access to these coffees?
You can have the urge to try out as many coffee types as possible, but if you can’t access them, you can’t try them out, can you?
Thankfully, you can access your desired coffee in several ways. Some of these ways include:
Get a coffee subscription.
Coffee subscriptions are an excellent way to try different coffee beans without worrying too much. All you need to do is to find a reputable coffee company and sign up for their subscription service.
The cool thing is that the companies send you the beans while they are still fresh and as a result, you better experience all the flavors.
To take your experience a notch higher, have more than one coffee subscription service. This way, you get to experience many types of coffee within a short time.
For an excellent experience, work with coffee companies with “bean” or “recipe” of the month. As you can tell, this allows you to try out a unique variety every month.
Would you love to learn more about coffee subscriptions and how you can take advantage of them? Visit this page.
Take a tasting class.
There is no better place to experiment and have a wide variety of coffee types than in a coffee-tasting class. Here you prepare the coffee in a variety of ways, and the instructors guide you in grading the coffee and understanding the tasting notes.
When you are in these classes, don’t just have fun—use the opportunity to understand your flavors and the type and quality of coffee you like.
Tour coffee shops
Do you live in an area with a vast coffee-drinking culture? You can get your hands on many coffee types when you tour your local coffee shops.
Many coffee shops have dozens or even more coffee varieties that you can try out. Here you can even play around with different add-ons and variations. For example, you can add milk to the coffee, syrup, and so on.
While you can sample many coffee shops alone, it’s not fun. Find a friend who loves coffee and turn your tour into a social event..
Remember to compare notes on the coffee varieties you try and find out each of your preferred tastes.
Parting shot
Getting comfortable with your preferred coffee type and flavor is easy, but you shouldn’t. Drink as much coffee as possible from different regions.
This not only helps you to be more knowledgeable about coffee but also helps you learn about the different flavors and the ones you enjoy.
If you have the budget, sign up for coffee subscriptions. Also, go to cuppings and learn from experts.
If the coffee shops work for you, regularly visit them and ask the barista for new ideas.
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