Coffee cupping is the industry-standard method for evaluating coffee quality. For buyers, importers, and roasters, understanding cupping scores is essential for making informed purchasing decisions and ensuring consistent quality in their coffee offerings.
What Is Coffee Cupping?
Cupping is a systematic sensory evaluation process used by coffee professionals worldwide. Developed by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), this standardized method allows tasters to assess coffee attributes objectively and assign numerical scores.
During a cupping session, trained evaluators assess roasted and ground coffee samples using a specific protocol that involves smelling the dry grounds, breaking the crust after adding hot water, and tasting the brew at different temperatures.
The SCA Cupping Scorecard Explained
The SCA cupping form evaluates coffee across ten distinct attributes, each scored on a scale:
1. Fragrance/Aroma (Max 10 points)
- Fragrance: The smell of dry, ground coffee
- Aroma: The smell after adding hot water
- Evaluates intensity and quality of aromatic compounds
2. Flavor (Max 10 points)
The overall impression combining taste and aroma, assessed through retronasal perception. Flavor represents the coffee’s core character.
3. Aftertaste (Max 10 points)
The length and quality of positive flavor attributes that remain after swallowing. Great coffees have long, pleasant aftertastes.
4. Acidity (Max 10 points)
Brightness and liveliness on the palate. Quality acidity is described as crisp, vibrant, or sparkling rather than sour or harsh.
5. Body (Max 10 points)
The tactile sensation of the coffee in the mouth. Ranges from light and tea-like to heavy and syrupy.
6. Balance (Max 10 points)
How well the flavor, aftertaste, acidity, and body complement each other. No single attribute should overwhelm the others.
7. Uniformity (Max 10 points)
Consistency across multiple cups of the same sample. Each of five cups is worth 2 points.
8. Clean Cup (Max 10 points)
Absence of defects or off-flavors from first sip to final aftertaste. Each clean cup earns 2 points.
9. Sweetness (Max 10 points)
Perception of pleasant sweetness, even in fully savory coffees. Each sweet cup earns 2 points.
10. Overall (Max 10 points)
The cupper’s holistic assessment reflecting personal appreciation of the sample.
Understanding Final Scores
Cupping scores are totaled to produce a final score out of 100:
| Score Range | Classification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 90-100 | Outstanding | Exceptional, rare coffees |
| 85-89.99 | Excellent | Specialty grade with distinct character |
| 80-84.99 | Very Good | Specialty grade, quality coffee |
| Below 80 | Below Specialty | Commercial grade coffee |
What Specialty Grade Means
Coffee scoring 80 points or above qualifies as “specialty grade.” This designation indicates:
- Professional quality suitable for specialty roasters
- Distinct flavor characteristics
- Proper processing and handling
- Low defect count in green beans
Common Cupping Terms for Buyers
Familiarize yourself with these frequently used descriptors:
Positive Attributes:
- Bright, crisp, clean
- Complex, layered, nuanced
- Sweet, fruity, floral
- Balanced, smooth, velvety
Negative Attributes:
- Flat, dull, muted
- Harsh, astringent, bitter
- Baggy, musty, fermented
- Thin, watery, empty
How Cupping Scores Affect Pricing
Higher cupping scores generally command premium prices:
- 90+ coffees: Can sell for 2-5x standard market prices
- 85-89 coffees: Command moderate premiums over commodity prices
- 80-84 coffees: Entry-level specialty with slight premiums
However, scores aren’t everything. Origin, certification, story, and availability also influence pricing.
Tips for Buyers Using Cupping Scores
Request Pre-Shipment Samples
Always cup samples before committing to large purchases. Scores can vary between lots and harvests.
Verify Cupper Credentials
Ensure evaluations are performed by Q-certified graders or experienced cuppers using SCA protocols.
Consider Your End Use
A coffee scoring 82 might be perfect for blends while a 90+ might suit single-origin offerings.
Track Scores Over Time
Monitor scoring consistency from suppliers to identify reliable partners.
Cupping Beyond Scores
While numerical scores provide valuable benchmarks, experienced buyers look beyond numbers:
- Flavor notes: Does the profile match your target market?
- Roast potential: How will it perform at different roast levels?
- Blend compatibility: Will it complement your existing offerings?
Conclusion
Understanding coffee cupping scores empowers buyers to make informed decisions and communicate effectively with suppliers. Whether sourcing Ugandan Robusta or Ethiopian Arabica, cupping scores provide a common language for quality evaluation in the global coffee trade.
Keywords: coffee cupping scores, SCA cupping, specialty coffee grading, coffee quality evaluation, Q-grader, coffee buyer guide, cupping scorecard
Meta Description: Master coffee cupping scores with this comprehensive buyer’s guide. Learn how SCA scoring works, what each attribute means, and how to use cupping evaluations for smarter coffee purchasing decisions.
