Coffee cupping flight

A coffee cupping flight with samples arranged in glass cups and spoons, used for sensory evaluation of beans.

About this subject

A coffee cupping flight is a standardized arrangement of multiple samples of roasted and ground coffee, presented in glass cups or bowls with accompanying cupping spoons. This setup is used in professional cupping sessions, which follow the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) protocol. During evaluation, the taster analyzes attributes like aroma, acidity, body, sweetness, flavor, and aftertaste. The flight arrangement allows side-by-side comparison of different origins, roasts, or brewing methods.

Cupping practice originated in the early 20th century as a quality control tool for commercial coffee. Today it is essential for exporters, importers, roasters, and baristas. A typical flight includes four to six samples, each in a separate cup with a lid to retain aromas. The taster breaks the crust, inhales deeply, and then slurps the coffee to spread it across the palate. Each step yields a score that contributes to the coffee's final rating.

In commercial product photography, the cupping flight is shot with careful lighting to highlight the color nuances and texture of the liquid coffee, as well as the elegance of the arrangement. Such images are commonly used in marketing materials for specialty coffee shops, gourmet bean retailers, and industry publications. The uniform look of cups and spoons conveys professionalism and precision, core values in the specialty coffee world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a coffee cupping flight?

It is a set of coffee samples served in individual cups, usually with spoons, used for the standardized sensory evaluation called cupping. Each sample represents a different coffee, allowing direct comparison.

How is the evaluation conducted during a cupping?

The taster smells the dry coffee, adds hot water, waits a few minutes, breaks the crust, inhales the aroma, and then slurps the liquid to assess flavor, body, and acidity. Each step is scored on a form.

How many samples typically make up a cupping flight?

The standard ranges from 4 to 6 samples per flight, but it can be larger in competitions or training sessions. The quantity is chosen to avoid sensory fatigue and ensure precise analysis.