Green apple, chocolate, or floral – specialty coffee has wonderful names to define its flavor and describe its aromas. But how did these flavors and names come about? The SCA Flavor Wheel, developed by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), is responsible for this. It's used by top professionals and coffee enthusiasts worldwide to define and evaluate the complex flavors of specialty coffee. Learn how it all came about and what's behind it here on our blog! Enjoy reading.
What is the SCA Flavor Wheel?
Before defining the SCA Flavor Wheel, it's important to understand what the SCA does. In short, the SCA promotes excellence in coffee production and marketing. To this end, green coffees from around the world are evaluated using a points-based scale. Specialty coffees don't score below 80 points, and are typically rated at 85. The SCA Flavor Wheel is a visual representation of over 100 possible aromas and flavors. It categorizes flavors from general to specific, helping consumers identify and describe the subtle nuances of their coffee.
The story of the SCA Flavor Wheel
The SCA Flavor Wheel was first introduced in 1995. At the time, the model was groundbreaking and quickly gained acceptance in the specialty coffee scene. It was circular in design and predominantly featured blue and green tones. In 2016, it was redesigned in collaboration with World Coffee Research (WCR). The latest findings in coffee chemistry and extensive sensory research were incorporated, resulting in a much more colorful presentation to best showcase the diverse aromas.
The structure of the SCA Flavor Wheel:
The SCA Flavor Wheel has two main levels: general flavor categories such as nutty, sweet, floral, fruity, and many more. These are then further subdivided, for example, from fruity to raspberry, or nutty to walnut.
How many flavors are there according to the SCA Flavor Wheel?
The SCA Flavor Wheel can seem overwhelming with its over 100 specific flavors. The exact number can actually vary depending on how detailed the breakdown of the individual components is.
And how many aromas does coffee have?
According to scientific studies, coffee is one of the most complex flavor carriers of all – it can contain over 800 volatile aroma components! In comparison, wine has "only" 200 identified aroma compounds. The diversity of aroma compounds in coffee results from the various combinations of cultivation, processing, and roasting methods. Each component significantly influences the cup profile.
How is the SCA Flavor Wheel used?
The SCA Flavor Wheel is primarily used by professional coffee tasters (Q-graders). In so-called cuppings, coffees are systematically brewed and tasted. The SCA Flavor Wheel aids in the evaluation and also helps buyers of green coffee to get an idea of the product's characteristics.
H3: Procedure for using the SCA Flavor Wheel:
- First, the basic tastes are identified. Is the coffee sweet, salty, sour, or bitter?
- Then more specific flavor notes such as fruity, earthy, nutty or floral are recognized.
- Within the categories, further subcategories such as berries, citrus, or chocolate can be identified.
Who uses the SCA Flavor Wheel?
- Q-Grader (coffee taster)
Professional coffee tasters use the SCA Flavor Wheel to ensure the objective evaluation and assessment of the coffee. This helps maintain high quality and standards.
- Coffee roaster
Coffee roasters use the SCA Flavor Wheel to describe and market their coffees. They also use the wheel to conduct quality control.
- Baristas
The SCA Flavor Wheel allows baristas to educate their customers about the diverse flavors of their coffees. It demonstrates a passion for the product and expresses a clear commitment to quality through in-depth expertise.
- Coffee researchers
Firstly, the SCA Flavor Wheel is used by researchers to train young talent and also to explain the effects of different cultivation, processing and roasting methods.
- Coffee lovers
Coffee enthusiasts use the SCA Flavor Wheel to delve even deeper into the world of specialty coffee. Visually, it's also an absolute must-have for every connoisseur!
- Marketing teams & product developers
To market the coffee to the right target group, marketing teams and product developers use the SCA Flavor Wheel.
Conclusion:
The SCA Flavor Wheel has become established throughout the coffee industry and has more than proven its value. Through its widespread use, from Q-graders and coffee roasters to home coffee lovers, it promotes an understanding of the complex aromas and nuances that coffee has to offer. It's also worth noting that the SCA Flavor Wheel helps ensure that coffee isn't just a subjective experience, but rather that communication about sensory experiences is standardized and can thus be incorporated into research. It bridges the gap between producer and consumer, making this knowledge accessible to everyone. Have you already explored the SCA Flavor Wheel?
Your SIMON&BEARNS Team
The most important tool for coffee connoisseurs: The SCA Flavor Wheel
Green apple, chocolate, or floral – specialty coffee has wonderful names to define its flavor and describe its aromas. But how did these flavors and names come about? The SCA Flavor Wheel, developed by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), is responsible for this. It's used by top professionals and coffee enthusiasts worldwide to define and evaluate the complex flavors of specialty coffee. Learn how it all came about and what's behind it here on our blog! Enjoy reading.
What is the SCA Flavor Wheel?
Before defining the SCA Flavor Wheel, it's important to understand what the SCA does. In short, the SCA promotes excellence in coffee production and marketing. To this end, green coffees from around the world are evaluated using a points-based scale. Specialty coffees don't score below 80 points, and are typically rated at 85. The SCA Flavor Wheel is a visual representation of over 100 possible aromas and flavors. It categorizes flavors from general to specific, helping consumers identify and describe the subtle nuances of their coffee.
The story of the SCA Flavor Wheel
The SCA Flavor Wheel was first introduced in 1995. At the time, the model was groundbreaking and quickly gained acceptance in the specialty coffee scene. It was circular in design and predominantly featured blue and green tones. In 2016, it was redesigned in collaboration with World Coffee Research (WCR). The latest findings in coffee chemistry and extensive sensory research were incorporated, resulting in a much more colorful presentation to best showcase the diverse aromas.
The structure of the SCA Flavor Wheel:
The SCA Flavor Wheel has two main levels: general flavor categories such as nutty, sweet, floral, fruity, and many more. These are then further subdivided, for example, from fruity to raspberry, or nutty to walnut.
How many flavors are there according to the SCA Flavor Wheel?
The SCA Flavor Wheel can seem overwhelming with its over 100 specific flavors. The exact number can actually vary depending on how detailed the breakdown of the individual components is.
And how many aromas does coffee have?
According to scientific studies, coffee is one of the most complex flavor carriers of all – it can contain over 800 volatile aroma components! In comparison, wine has "only" 200 identified aroma compounds. The diversity of aroma compounds in coffee results from the various combinations of cultivation, processing, and roasting methods. Each component significantly influences the cup profile.
How is the SCA Flavor Wheel used?
The SCA Flavor Wheel is primarily used by professional coffee tasters (Q-graders). In so-called cuppings, coffees are systematically brewed and tasted. The SCA Flavor Wheel aids in the evaluation and also helps buyers of green coffee to get an idea of the product's characteristics.
H3: Procedure for using the SCA Flavor Wheel:
Who uses the SCA Flavor Wheel?
Professional coffee tasters use the SCA Flavor Wheel to ensure the objective evaluation and assessment of the coffee. This helps maintain high quality and standards.
Coffee roasters use the SCA Flavor Wheel to describe and market their coffees. They also use the wheel to conduct quality control.
The SCA Flavor Wheel allows baristas to educate their customers about the diverse flavors of their coffees. It demonstrates a passion for the product and expresses a clear commitment to quality through in-depth expertise.
Firstly, the SCA Flavor Wheel is used by researchers to train young talent and also to explain the effects of different cultivation, processing and roasting methods.
Coffee enthusiasts use the SCA Flavor Wheel to delve even deeper into the world of specialty coffee. Visually, it's also an absolute must-have for every connoisseur!
To market the coffee to the right target group, marketing teams and product developers use the SCA Flavor Wheel.
Conclusion:
The SCA Flavor Wheel has become established throughout the coffee industry and has more than proven its value. Through its widespread use, from Q-graders and coffee roasters to home coffee lovers, it promotes an understanding of the complex aromas and nuances that coffee has to offer. It's also worth noting that the SCA Flavor Wheel helps ensure that coffee isn't just a subjective experience, but rather that communication about sensory experiences is standardized and can thus be incorporated into research. It bridges the gap between producer and consumer, making this knowledge accessible to everyone. Have you already explored the SCA Flavor Wheel?
Your SIMON&BEARNS Team