Discover how to taste coffee like a pro. Learn what coffee tasting notes mean, how to identify them, and why they make every cup unique.
When you browse Penningtons’ coffee selection, you might see descriptions like chocolatey body with hints of citrus or smooth and nutty with caramel sweetness. But what do these tasting notes actually mean and how can you recognise them in your own brew?
Just as wine enthusiasts talk about tannins and terroir, coffee lovers have their own language for describing flavour. Understanding tasting notes not only deepens your appreciation of coffee but also helps you find the blends that suit your personal palate.
1. What Are Coffee Tasting Notes?
Coffee tasting notes are the naturally occurring flavours and aromas that appear in the coffee bean. These flavours aren’t added they’re the result of factors like the coffee’s origin, altitude, processing method, and roast level.
For example:
- A Colombian coffee might have chocolate and caramel sweetness.
- An Ethiopian single origin often bursts with fruity, floral, or citrusy notes.
- A Sumatran coffee can be earthy, spicy, and full-bodied.
At Penningtons, we highlight tasting notes on each bag to help you choose coffees that match your preferred profile — whether you love rich and smooth, bright and zesty, or sweet and nutty.
2. How to Taste Coffee Like a Pro
You don’t need to be a barista to identify flavours — just follow a few simple steps.
Step 1: Start with Freshly Brewed Coffee
Freshly roasted beans retain complex flavours. Grind just before brewing for the best results.
Step 2: Smell First
Before you take a sip, inhale deeply. The aroma gives the first clues to what you’ll taste sweet, fruity, nutty, or even floral.
Step 3: Take a Small Sip and Slurp
Yes, slurp! Drawing air through the coffee spreads it across your palate, allowing you to detect acidity, body, and flavour layers.
Step 4: Identify the Profile
Ask yourself:
- Is it sweet (like caramel or chocolate)?
- Is it bright (like citrus or berries)?
- Is it nutty or toasty (like hazelnut or almond)?
- Does it have a clean finish or a lingering richness?
With practice, your palate becomes more attuned to these subtleties.
3. Common Coffee Tasting Notes Explained
| Tasting Note | What It Means | Common Origins |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | Smooth, rich, and comforting – like cocoa or dark chocolate. | Latin America |
| Citrus | Bright, lively acidity with notes of lemon, orange, or grapefruit. | Ethiopia, Kenya |
| Nutty | Warm, roasted flavour similar to hazelnut or almond. | Brazil |
| Fruity | Sweet berry or stone fruit flavours, often found in lighter roasts. | Africa, Central America |
| Spicy | Notes of cinnamon, clove, or pepper – earthy and aromatic. | Sumatra |
| Caramel | Sweet, syrupy finish reminiscent of brown sugar. | Central America |
4. Why Roast Level Matters
Roast plays a major role in flavour development:
- Light roasts retain bright, fruity acidity and floral notes.
- Medium roasts balance sweetness, body, and acidity.
- Dark roasts highlight deeper flavours — chocolate, nutty, and smoky tones.
Penningtons’ expert roasters fine-tune each batch to bring out its signature tasting profile, ensuring balance in every cup.
5. Finding Your Perfect Coffee Profile
The best way to discover your favourite flavour notes is by tasting side-by-side. Try Penningtons’ range of single-origin coffees or a coffee tasting set to compare profiles you might be surprised by what you love most.
Take notes on what stands out to you: the aroma, sweetness, acidity, and mouthfeel. Over time, you’ll develop your own tasting vocabulary and understand your personal coffee preferences.
6. Experience Coffee with Penningtons
At Penningtons Tea & Coffee, we celebrate the diversity of flavour that great coffee offers. From our smooth, chocolatey Colombian to our vibrant, citrus-forward Ethiopian beans, each roast tells a story — of place, people, and passion.
→ Explore the Penningtons Coffee Collectionhttps://penningtonscoffee.co.uk/product-category/coffee/
Find your next favourite flavour and start your own tasting journey today.

