Cupping is the process by which Vinaccio Coffee determines and evaluates the flavor profiles of our various coffees. Michael, Vinaccio Coffee’s Roastmaster and Master Cupper cups hundreds of coffees each and every month. He is constantly in search of the four flavor components most sought after in a quality roast: acidity, body, aroma and flavor.

Acidity is actually a desirable quality in coffee. It keeps a coffee from tasting muted and creates a sensation of dryness on the back of the palate and under the edges of the tongue.

Body is perceived in the mouth as heaviness, thickness, and richness.

Smell and taste make up the component of coffee known as Aroma. Aroma allows an individual to differentiate the subtle differences between coffees of different origins.

Acidity, body, and aroma combine to form flavor.

Of course roast levels play a large part in the way coffee is perceived by the palette. Light roasts provide a smooth taste, mild flavor and peak aroma. Medium roasts offer robust taste and full flavor while medium dark roasts combine dark, rich taste with a full body. Finally, dark roasts are noted for their bold, smoky, bittersweet taste.

Light Roast Coffees go well with plain cakes, cookies and loaves, creamy desserts such as tiramisu, cream tarts and cheesecake, cooked fruit desserts such as crisps, compotes and cobblers, caramel and nuts, and breakfast treats like blueberry muffins, or a dessert like key lime tart.

Medium roast coffees go well with chocolate desserts and cookies, spice desserts such as carrot cake, and apple pie, caramel and nuts. Our medium roast coffee also goes well with canolis and apple pie à la mode.

Dark roast coffees go well with coffee-flavored desserts such as mocha ice cream, creamy desserts such as tiramisu, cream tarts and cheesecake plain grains such as muffins, biscotti, scones and croissants, caramel and nuts, and chocolate chip cookies. Last but not least, try some chocolate covered strawberries with that deep, dark, French Roast.

Okay for you flavored coffee lovers, try a Vinaccio flavored coffee with a big piece of pecan pie or simple chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.

Now that you better understand the complexities and nuances of our coffees, feel free to email us with your experiences and comments to comments@vinaccio.com.