How to Review Coffee: Anyone Should Be Able to Do It

A gentle wind from Key West blows through a cup of Smugglers Brew. This is Island Joe's Gourmet Coffee, one of the most flavorful of all his blends. The fragrance becomes a part of the background of your home, pleasant, and like a short gust of chocolate. Joe said the best way to really enjoy Smugglers Brew is to eat a piece of Key Lime Pie, or perhaps, a tart with it. I haven't had that experience yet. But, soon, soon. I have been so thrilled with Smugglers Brew, that I put together a group of samples and handed them out to four other people who wanted to help me review this coffee. The words are not in yet. But, when they are I will add them to my first group review.

If a writer, or anyone, for that matter, finds themselves getting to review coffee - the treat is in the cup.

Of course, there will be times when bitter is as bitter does. Or, the fault is all in the operator, meaning the person who made the coffee probably should have slept a little longer. Pouring too many spoonfuls of that glorious black stuff into a maker isn't recommended.

But, there are times when reviewing a coffee is a choice made in heaven. Reviewing specialty coffees can become one of those times.

As has become apparent, I have been on a journey to learn all I can about specialty coffees. I have learned some of the best ways to make the brew, the best places to get the brew, and not to drink anymore commercial coffee than I have to.

My method of reviewing is not like so many other reviewers. Why? Because I am the first one to step up and tell you that I am not a professional. I am just one who loves the aroma, body, taste and tang of this gift from paradise.

I assembled a group of others who love coffee, and they have all had samples of different types of specialty coffees. Each one of these coffees are from different coffee roasters, or coffeehouses. On the whole they will be from coffee roasters. Independent coffee roasters have a great deal of pride in their creations. And the flavor and integrity of those flavors always stand out. The coffee roasters have been chosen more for their willingness to participate than anything else. Coffee people can be snobs. They shouldn't be. After all, coffee is the most affordable gourmet beverage in the world. Why be snobbish about the drink for the masses?

Now the reviewers are chosen for their willingness to be honest and to learn about coffee, and how to review it, love it, and take apart each appetizing note.

These are just regular people -those who rush around in the morning like all of us. Some only drink specialty coffees on the weekends, so they can savor each wonderful sip. Others, drink it as a taste treat at work, a break in the day. Gourmet coffee adds an escape to their day.

There are four others, besides myself, who will be reviewing coffees as we go along.

Just as an aside, please be aware that if a certain roaster, makes several different blends, as they invariably do, we will be reviewing all of them. It's only fair, and scrumptious.

So, let's look at the various areas to clarify when reviewing coffee. First, we experience the aroma. Is it wonderful, heavy, flowery, melodious. Is it unforgettable, or does it leave as quickly as it came?
Next, we savor the body. How does the liquid feel in your mouth, and as it goes down your throat? Is it full, light, heavy? Swish it around. It's just a part of our general lives. We know how to name the body of coffee, it is an answer deep in the recesses of our beings.

Now, how about acidity, tangy, zesty, or bitter? Bitter is not good. We know this.

And finally, the easiest one of all, taste. Chocolate? Fruity, or flat? You decide.

It's easy. And not for snobs only.