Just as our personalities shape our choices in life, they also have a fascinating influence on our preferences when it comes to coffee. Whether you're a traditionalist, a third-wave purist, an adventurous explorer, or an all-in-one enthusiast, your flavor personality can reveal a lot about your coffee cravings. Join us on a flavorful journey as we explore how your personality aligns with your coffee preferences.
The SCA Flavor Wheel offers a good approach to flavor and aroma discovery. It is a great compass to help anyone find their own sweet home spot and slowly adventure themselves. The truth is, we are a bit of all, swinging from one to another as we dive into the world of specialty coffee.
The four types of coffee preferences, flavor families
1. The Traditional: Savoring the Classics
For the traditional, there's comfort in the familiar. This coffee lover appreciates the tried-and-true flavors that have stood the test of time. Much like sticking to cherished family recipes, the traditionalist prefers the smooth and sweet range of flavors that define the quintessential coffee experience. With a penchant for boldness and a touch of smoothness, their perfect cup is reminiscent of the classics, providing a sense of nostalgia with every sip. You will find more chocolate, nuts, and spices notes, emphasizing the smooth and heavy texture when brewed on an immersion brewer and roasted on a more medium+ spectrum.
Try coffee from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Colombia, Brazil, and Indonesia, preferably at low to medium elevation (1,000-1,400 meters above sea level) and a bourbon-descendant variety.
2. The Third-Wave Purist: Unearthing Terroir
Enter the third-wave purist, an individual who treats coffee like an art form. With a desire to unveil the true essence of coffee, they're drawn to the brightness and clarity of washed processed beans. Just as a painter uses a blank canvas to convey their emotions, the third-wave purist seeks a clean slate where the coffee's terroir can shine through. They appreciate the intricacies that come with each origin, creating a coffee experience that's as close to nature's intent as possible. You'll find more delicate floral notes as well as fruity tones with a slightly higher acidity that elevates the aromas and makes a unique cup of coffee if brewed and roasted properly on a light to medium spectrum.
Try coffee from Ethiopia, Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Panama, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, El Salvador preferably at high elevation (1,500+ meters above sea level).
3. The Adventurous Explorer: Embracing the Unconventional
For the adventurous explorer, coffee is a canvas for creativity. Much like the bold decision to combine figs with pizza or experiment with molecular gastronomy, this persona welcomes the unexpected. They're open to new flavors, pairings, and processing methods that challenge the norm. Whether it's a coffee processed anaerobically or a supernatural blend, the adventurous explorer relishes the excitement of the unknown, embracing innovation with each sip.
Try natural coffee, then explore anaerobic, carbonic maceration, experimental process etc...Sky is the limit
4. The All-in-One Enthusiast: Embracing Diversity
Lastly, we have the all-in-one enthusiast. This coffee lover thrives on diversity, approaching coffee and flavor with an open heart. Just as their mood or the season may change, so does their preference. They can enjoy the traditional warmth of a classic cup in the morning, savor the nuances of high-grown anaerobic coffee during lunch, and indulge in the adventurous unknowns as the day unfolds. Their appreciation for the journey from tried-and-true to innovative is a testament to their love for the world of flavors. It does take a couple of years to develop that sense of appreciation for what's good in each coffee, but ultimately, with patience, taste, and wisdom, the best coffee is the one you haven't had yet.
the best coffee is the one you haven't had yet.
Conclusion:
In the world of coffee, our flavor personality is a reflection of our individuality. Whether you find solace in tradition, seek purity in terroir, thrive on adventure, or embrace the diversity of flavor experiences, your coffee preference speaks volumes about who you are. Just like the many facets of your personality, the coffee world offers a wide range of flavors to explore and enjoy.
At Memli Coffee, we celebrate these diverse flavor personalities. Our coffee offerings encompass all four personas, ensuring that you can find the flavors that resonate with you. When you subscribe to our coffee subscription plan, you're not just getting a cup of coffee; you're embarking on a flavor journey that aligns with your taste and preferences. So, the next time you take a sip of your favorite brew, remember that you're not just savoring a cup of coffee—you're savoring a piece of yourself.
Don't know where to start? Check out our Tasting Workshop where you'll taste 8 coffees in 4 flights side by side.
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