And why do we do it every week at Dignity Roasters?

Here at Dignity Roasters, we do something that not very many people know about, but it is so easy that anyone can do it at home. It’s an integral part of the roasting process that we must perform weekly. If this process is skipped, the coffee roast may become inconsistent in quality. That’s how important this process is. It’s called “cupping” coffee, and it is a structured way of tasting and smelling coffee that is sensory-focused. Today, we are going to share with you the secrets of cupping coffee, so you can see for yourself how experts in the coffee industry do it.

Doesn’t coffee just taste like coffee?

Well, yes and no. Coffee should primarily taste like coffee, but it can also have notes of chocolate, nuts, fruits, vegetables, florals, spices, or grains. It’s those secondary (and tertiary) flavors we are looking for when we cup coffee. We ensure that notes of milk chocolate and peanuts are included in every bag of Brazilian coffee we sell, and notes of black tea and lemon are included in every bag of Honduran coffee.

How can those notes in coffee be inconsistent?

Each batch of coffee roasted is unique in its roasting process. While we strive to maintain consistency in every variable across all roasts, no two roasts will ever be identical. Additionally, factors such as the roaster needing to be cleaned can alter the taste of coffee in each roast. Cupping coffee ensures that we monitor the health of the roasting and venting systems, as well as notice changes between different crop seasons.

Okay. So how do you do it?

This is the fun part:

At Dignity Roasters, we hold this practice every week to ensure consistency in our roasting, help us learn from each batch, and train our team to recognize subtle differences between coffees. It’s an educational tool that sharpens our craft and builds confidence among our team. Every session gives our team the chance to expand their skills, engage their senses, and take pride in mastering the art of coffee. When you enjoy a cup from Dignity Roasters, you can trust that it has been carefully tasted, guaranteeing that your expectation of quality is met every single time.

Want to experience a cupping for yourself? We love sharing this process with our community! Join us Saturday, September 13, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm for a complimentary cupping event and a tour of our roastery. Bring the family and enjoy connecting with other curious coffee enthusiasts as we explore the hidden depths of our coffee offerings.

We look forward to seeing you then!