Archive for September 25th, 2009
Establish Yourself as a Coffee Authority
For some people, a cup of freezer-burnt instant coffee tastes just as good as an exotic gourmet blend. Coffee means many things to many people, and not everyone takes the time to slow down and pay attention to the aspects that separate so-so joe from heaven in a cup. If you plan to make your own espresso from home, you’re setting yourself apart from the philistines who don’t care about their coffee.
As long as you’re going to appreciate it, you’d better learn how to talk about it with others. Brew some coffee in your Saeco espresso machine, and then put your refined palate to good use. Pause a moment to reflect before commenting on the acidity, body, sweetness and finish of a given coffee. When the brew cools down a bit, you’ll be able to judge its acidity. Do you taste a sharp bite of fruit or floral flavors? Next, evaluate the body of the coffee. You’re probably used to hearing the term “viscosity” being used in a motor oil context, but the thickness and heaviness of coffee can be measured as well.
When we refer to sweetness, we’re talking about the coffee’s natural state without sugar or artificial sweeteners added. Finish is another word for the aftertaste of the beverage. What flavor notes seem to linger a few moments after you’ve swallowed the last sip of coffee? You can use all of these terms and more to lend credibility to your discussions about America’s favorite pick-me-up.