Coffee flavors
Existing over 850 flavors compounds, coffee became one of the most complex beverage in the world. The flavor building depends on certain elements described below:
Terrain.
The land where coffee grows plays an important role in dictating what flavors will be in the coffee. Factors such as the pH in the soil, amount of precipitation, elevation, temperature, sun, etc.
Cultivation.
The fertilization process is integral. Nutritional compounds such as organic or biodynamic nutrients also affect the coffee notes. This also includes the usage (or lack of) pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
Variety.
Like wine, coffee has varieties: bourbon, gesha, caturra,catuai & hundreds more. These varieties have different characteristics based on where they're grown and how they're cultivated.
Harvesting.
The harvesting process is a critical step in the growth of the coffee bean. Because coffee is a fruit, we want to harvest the beans when they are perfectly ripe and as a result, specialty graded coffees are often handpicked. When properly grown and harvested, ripe coffee will be sweeter, cleaner, and smoother.
Processing.
This is arguably the biggest factor in determining a bean's flavour notes. There are three main techniques used to process the coffee. Although each of them has its benefits and drawbacks, the end result of each method is a distinct tasting profile.
Drying.
As with any craft, drying the beans requires a balanced approach. Too hot and fast, and the coffee tends to have a woody, papery flavour. Too slow and incomplete, and the result is a mouldy or stale taste.
Storage.
The longer coffee is stored, the heavier the body and musky the flavors get. This depends on how well you store it, but generally coffee lasts 10-14 months if stored properly.
Roasting.
There are 3 main coffee roasts: light, medium, and dark. Traditionally, light roasts are brighter, fruity, and floral. Medium roasts are well-rounded, ranging from chocolatey and nutty to fruity. Dark roasts are bitter and chocolatey.
Brewing.
From the grind (size + consistency) to the water (temperature + pH), and the pressure and the time, each brew shapes the flavour profile. Although there are too many variables that go into this final piece to list here, tinkering with the brewing process can make a world of difference.