Ordering coffee or shopping for beans shouldn’t feel like decoding a secret menu. Whether you're just getting into specialty coffee or have been brewing for years, these simple definitions will help you understand what you're drinking and maybe even help you find your perfect cup.
1. Body
Think of this as the “weight” of the coffee on your tongue.
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Light body: Feels thin, like tea
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Full body: Feels rich and creamy
You’ll notice body most in black coffee, but even with cream or milk, you’ll taste the difference.
2. Acidity
This doesn’t mean sour, it’s that bright, crisp snap you get in some coffees (like citrus or green apple).
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Coffees from Africa often have high acidity
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Coffees from South America usually have balanced acidity
If you like sparkling, refreshing flavors, acidity might be your thing.
3. Notes
These are the tasting hints, like “chocolate,” “berries,” or “floral.”
They’re not added flavors, just natural characteristics based on region, roast, and processing.
Tip: If a coffee says “notes of cherry,” you’re not drinking cherry-flavored coffee but you might get a hint of it in the aftertaste.
4. Washed vs. Natural
These terms refer to how the coffee cherry was processed after being picked.
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Washed: Clean, bright, crisp flavor
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Natural: Funkier, fruitier, more complex
Both can be amazing, it just depends on your taste.
5. Single-Origin vs. Blend
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Single-origin: Beans from one country, farm, or even micro-lot
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Great for tasting the pure flavor of a region
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Blend: A mix of beans from different origins
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Balanced and consistent, often used for espresso or cold brew
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6. Light / Medium / Dark Roast
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Light: Bright, acidic, more origin flavor
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Medium: Balanced body and sweetness
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Dark: Bold, chocolatey, low acidity
Roast preference can make or break your morning and it's totally personal.
Ready to Taste the Difference?
Understanding coffee is the first step to enjoying it more. Now that you know the terms, try a new roast and see how it matches what you've learned.