Coffee Tasting Notes Explained: What Do "Chocolate," "Nutty," and "Fruity" Really Mean?

Have you ever looked at a bag of coffee and wondered how anyone could possibly taste "raspberry," "walnut," or "dark chocolate" in a cup of coffee?

You're not alone.

Coffee tasting notes can sound intimidating when you're new to specialty coffee. But they're not meant to make coffee complicated. They're simply a way of describing the flavors and aromas you might notice when you drink a particular coffee.

Once you know what to look for, tasting notes can actually make choosing your next coffee much easier.

What Are Coffee Tasting Notes?

Tasting notes describe characteristics that can come from the coffee's variety, where it was grown, how it was processed, and how it was roasted.

They're not flavors that have been added to the coffee.

So when a coffee is described as having "chocolate" notes, that doesn't mean chocolate was mixed into the beans. It means the coffee may have aromas or flavors that remind you of chocolate.

And everyone's palate is a little different. You might taste something completely different from what someone else notices.

That's part of the experience.

What Does "Chocolate" Mean?

Chocolate notes are often associated with coffees that have a rich, smooth, comforting character.

Depending on the coffee, you might notice something reminiscent of:

• Milk chocolate

• Dark chocolate

• Cocoa

• Baker's chocolate

• Chocolate-covered nuts

  
  

These coffees can be especially appealing if you prefer a fuller, less acidic cup.

House of Plenty's Mocha Moon, for example, features tasting notes of dark chocolate, vanilla bean, and star anise. If those flavors sound appealing, that's a good clue about the type of coffee you may enjoy.

What Does "Nutty" Mean?

"Nutty" is another common coffee description.

It can range from the sweetness of almond or hazelnut to the richer character of walnut or pecan. Nutty coffees often pair well with chocolate and caramel flavors and can make for an approachable everyday cup.

House of Plenty's Traditional Blend, for instance, includes graham cracker, raspberry, and walnut among its tasting notes.

Notice that a coffee can have several different notes at once. You don't necessarily have to choose between "nutty" and "fruity." A well-balanced coffee can have both.

What Does "Fruity" Mean?

Fruity doesn't necessarily mean your coffee is going to taste like fruit juice.

Fruit notes can show up as subtle aromas, acidity, sweetness, or a flavor that reminds you of a particular fruit.

You might see descriptions such as:

• Berry

• Citrus

• Apple

• Stone fruit

• Tropical fruit

  
  

If you normally drink darker, more traditional coffees, fruity notes may taste surprising at first. But they're worth exploring if you're looking to experience something different.

How Do You Find Your Favorite?

The easiest way is to experiment.

Instead of asking, "What's the best coffee?" ask yourself: What flavors do I already enjoy?

Love dark chocolate? Look for coffees with chocolate or cocoa notes.

Reach for nuts and caramel? Try coffees described as nutty, sweet, or rich.

Prefer fresh fruit and brighter flavors? Look for berry or citrus notes.

And don't worry about getting it "right." Tasting coffee isn't a test. Your palate is your palate.

Explore Without Guessing

One of the best things about discovering coffee is finding a few favorites and then branching out from there.

With the House of Plenty Coffee Club, you can keep the coffees you love stocked regularly and make coffee exploration part of your routine.

Find a coffee whose tasting notes catch your attention, brew it your way, and see what you discover.

Sometimes the best way to understand a tasting note is simply to taste it for yourself.