Sweetness

Sweetness is a mild, smooth coffee flavor characteristic/taste sensation (a basic taste descriptor) without any harsh tastes (e.g., Rio flavor) or flavor defects/off-flavors. This sweet quality is often perceived as a palatable and/or fruity taste that is sensed primarily at the tip of the tongue.

Sweetness – The Intensity of the Coffee’s Sugary Qualities

The term sweet is used by cuppers (professional coffee tasters) to describe the intensity of the sugary qualities of the coffee when it is swooshed around in the mouth.

What Creates Sweetness in Coffee?

In coffee the sweetness is produced by solutions of sugars, glycols, and alcohols as well as some amino acids that together create a variety of sweet aroma descriptors (e.g., chocolaty, fruity, caramelly).

Coffee and Espresso Brewing Tips

To learn the secrets of brewing gourmet coffee to appreciate its fine flavors and aromas see our detailed section on Coffee Brewing. You can also read taste profiles of Gourmet Coffees and instructions on preparing Espresso Drink Recipes.

For step-by-step instructions on preparing amazing espresso-based specialty coffee drinks see Pulling A Perfect Espresso Shot as well as Barista Guide to Perfect Lattes and Cappuccinos.

To learn all about coffee lingo and espresso terminology too see the Coffee and Espresso Glossary.  Also check out the World’s Best History of Coffee.

Enjoy the Experience of Drinking Truly Fresh-Roasted Coffee

Specialty Coffee Beans from the World’s Most Exotic Coffee-Growing Regions

Asian, Indonesian & Pacific Coffees – Arabian and African Coffees – Coffees of the Americas

Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Coffee – Decaf Ethiopian Coffee – India Monsooned Malabar Coffee

Organic and Fair Trade Coffees – Green Coffee Beans

Kenya AA Coffee – Decaf Kenya Coffee – Tanzania Peaberry Coffee – Organic Fair Trade Sumatra Coffee

Flavored Coffees – Hazelnut Coffee – Amaretto Coffee

Decaffeinated Coffee – Deluxe Frother – Vienna Roast

Espresso Machines – French Press Brewer – Conical Burr Coffee Grinder