Back to Guide List
Taste Guide #2

Understanding Coffee Flavor Changes

From roasting to origin, learn about the 5 key factors that determine the taste of a cup of coffee.

How do we taste such diverse flavors in coffee?

Coffee truly has countless flavors and aromas.
Today, I'll introduce the five main factors that determine coffee flavor.
Let's uncover the secrets of coffee together!

Origin (Terroir)

Roast Level

Processing Method

Fermentation

Variety

Changes by Origin (Terroir)

Coffee is greatly influenced by its growing environment

Let's learn about the characteristics of major coffee-producing regions together!

Swipe to see more →

Africa

Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, etc.

Special heirloom varieties and varieties close to heirlooms are predominant. Many coffees feature bright acidity with floral and fruity notes.

Latin America

Latin America: Brazil, Colombia, etc.

Improved Arabica varieties are predominant. Many coffees feature low acidity with nutty, chocolate, and sweet notes for excellent balance.

If you like aromatic coffee with noticeable acidity? → We recommend African coffee!

If you like nutty and sweet coffee? → We recommend Latin American coffee!

For more details, check out the Coffee Origin Map.

Changes by Roast Level

How much the processed green beans are roasted

Roast level refers to how much the processed green beans are roasted at the roastery.
Generally divided into 5 stages: Light → Light Medium → Medium → Dark Medium → Dark.

Swipe to see more →

Light ~ Light Medium

Light Roast

Distinct acidity with light body. The bean's inherent flavors are intense, sometimes feeling like juice.

Medium

Medium Roast

Sweetness, body, acidity, and aroma come alive in balance. You can feel both the bean's inherent flavors and sweet milk chocolate-like taste.

Dark Medium ~ Dark

Dark Roast

Heavy body comes alive and acidity is not well felt. Sweetness and bitterness are emphasized, sometimes tasting like dark chocolate.

Want to avoid acidity? → We recommend Medium or above rather than too lightly roasted beans!

Changes by Processing Method

How to extract the seed (bean) from the coffee cherry

Coffee flavor changes from the initial processing of extracting the seed (bean) from the coffee cherry.
There are mainly three methods: Washed (completely removing pulp with water), Natural (drying coffee cherries in the sun), and Honey (=Pulped Natural, removing only pulp and drying the rest in the sun).

Swipe to see more →

Washed

Washed

Pulp is completely removed, making the taste clean. Distinct acidity and clean finish are the characteristics.

Natural

Natural

Coffee cherries are dried whole before extracting the seed, so a lot of fruity aroma remains. It has a sweet, wine-like fermented taste.

Honey

Honey

A middle ground between Washed and Natural. Modifiers are added based on how much mucilage is removed. As mucilage removal decreases in the order white → yellow → red → black, the taste becomes closer to Natural.

If you like clean and fresh coffee? → We recommend Washed processed coffee!

If you like sweet coffee with complex fruity aromas? → We recommend Natural processed coffee!

Changes by Fermentation Method

Coffee being experimentally tried in the specialty coffee market

Coffee being experimentally tried in the specialty coffee market.
Because oxygen is controlled or yeast is utilized during processing, new flavors that didn't exist before are expressed!

Swipe to see more →

Anaerobic

Anaerobic Fermentation

Fermented in a sealed container with oxygen blocked. You'll feel unique and intense flavors (Funky) like sujeonggwa, cinnamon, and thick berry jam.

Carbonic Maceration

Carbonic Maceration

Carbon dioxide is injected for fermentation, applying wine-making techniques. Champagne-like refreshing texture and candy-like sweetness are the characteristics.

Infused

Infused

Fruits or specific spices are added during fermentation to impart intuitive aromas.

Want to experience unique and intense character? → Try anaerobic fermented coffee!

Want deep and complex flavors like wine? → We recommend carbonic maceration coffee!

Changes by Variety

Taste and aroma vary depending on which variety of beans is used

The unique taste and aroma of coffee completely changes depending on which variety of beans is used.
Let me tell you about the most representative ones among countless varieties!

Swipe to see more →

Premium
Geisha

A variety highly rated enough to be called 'God's coffee'. Jasmine-like floral aroma and elegant acidity combine to create the finest flavor profile.

Classic
Bourbon/Typica

Traditional varieties that are the origin of Arabica coffee. Classic coffee with clean sweetness and excellent balance rather than flashiness.

Modern
Caturra/Catuai

Varieties improved to be resistant to pests and diseases. Appropriate acidity and nuttiness harmonize, making them enjoyable for everyone.

Looking for elegant and aromatic coffee like black tea? → We strongly recommend Geisha variety!

Want a comfortable taste without strong preferences? → Try Bourbon or Caturra varieties.

Do you have a sense of coffee flavor now?

Just knowing the 5 factors we learned today,
cafe menus will be much easier to read!
See you in the next guide with deeper content.