The world of coffee aromas: discover, taste and understand

Or how the more than 800 aromas of different types of coffee unfold

Coffee aromas refer to the variety of aromas and flavors that are perceived when enjoying a freshly brewed cup of coffee. These aromas are created by the complex chemical composition of the coffee bean, especially the Arabica beans, and by the roasting process. Depending on the roast - from light to dark roast - different aromas emerge to varying degrees.

Did you know that coffee contains over 800 volatile aromas, while wine only has around 400? Proof of how fascinating and versatile the sensory properties of coffee are.

Barista makes latte art in cup on black table

Aroma vs. fragrance: what's the difference?

Both terms refer to pleasant odors, but there are subtle differences:

Aroma is typical of plants, foods or spices - including ground coffee or flavored coffee.
Fragrance tends to be associated with perfume or flowers.

As a noun, aroma describes the characteristic smell or taste of a product. This can be both positive and negative. A good espresso, for example, often carries notes of caramel, vanilla or chocolate.

The coffee aroma wheel: orientation in the variety of aromas

The Flavour Wheel of the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) helps to provide a structured classification of the world of flavors. It shows the main categories and subcategories of different flavors, such as floral, berry or spicy.

Advantages of the flavor wheel:

Systematic description: a clear language for the sensory characteristics of coffee.
Deeper understanding of taste: Regular practice makes it easier to discover subtle notes.
Improved communication: Helpful when discussing good coffee - whether at home or in a café.

Many aromas only develop when the coffee cools down or can only be perceived through the smell. This makes the perception of aromas an exciting experience.

Colored coffee aroma circles on a grey background

Diverse flavor profiles at a glance

Here are some typical categories and examples that you can discover in your coffee:

Fruity: apple, lemon, berries, stone fruit, exotic fruits
Floral: jasmine, rose, lavender, camomile, orange blossom
Nutty/chocolatey: Hazelnut, almond, peanut, chocolate, cocoa
Spicy: cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, clove
Green/vegetable: earth, moss, leather, forest
Woody/ashy/musty: Particularly typical of Robusta coffees

Factors influencing the taste of coffee

The taste of coffee is influenced by several aspects, including

Coffee variety: Arabica beans usually taste milder, finer and fruitier than Robusta.
Growing conditions: As with wine, climate, soil and altitude play a decisive role.
Roasting: A light roast tends to produce fruity notes, while a dark roast tends to produce chocolaty, nutty or woody aromas.
Preparation: The method - whether French press, espresso or filter coffee - influences how strongly the aromas come to the fore.
Crema: This contributes to the development of the aroma, especially in espresso.
Tongue and nose: Sweet, sour, salty and bitter are perceived on the tongue. However, we perceive aromas mainly through the nose - both by smelling and retronasally when drinking.

Conclusion

Consciously experience the pleasure of coffee

Coffee flavors are as diverse as the people who drink coffee. Every sip can reveal new notes - whether vanilla, caramel or fruity acidity. If you drink consciously, choose good coffee, pay attention to quality and try out different preparation methods, you will be rewarded with ever new taste experiences.
Whether it's an espresso in the morning or a leisurely cup of coffee with a French press - with a trained palate, you can discover a real variety of flavors without paying a high price. Because good taste doesn't have to be expensive - just well roasted.

8 min.

Coffee preparation with pressure

Perfect espresso with portafilter and fully automatic machine

5 min.

Robusta coffee: strong, robust and full of flavor

The Robusta coffee bean, also known as Coffea canephora, is one of the most important coffee varieties in the world and boasts unique properties.