The Coffee Glossary Every Coffee Lover Should Know

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, second only to water. As a matter of fact, around two billion cups are enjoyed every day. For some, coffee is the fuel that powers their mornings, while for others it’s a cherished moment of relaxation.  

To help you feel like you’re “in the know” and can keep up with your local barista, we have compiled  key coffee terminologies. Enjoy learning about the world of coffee as you sip on Rwanda’s favourite: Gorilla’s Coffee. 

Acidity

Refers to the bright, tangy, fruity, or wine-like flavours present in coffee. It’s a positive quality that adds to the liveliness and flavour diversity of the coffee, not to be confused with sourness, which is undesirable.

Affogato

This is a treat for dessert lovers. Vanilla ice cream drenched in a shot of espresso..

Americano

This is simply black coffee. The difference between an Americano and any regular brewed coffee is in its preparation. Hot water is added to one or two shots of espresso.

Aroma

This is the first hint of the sensory journey that coffee provides. It is a fragrance of freshly brewed or freshly ground coffee, encompassing everything from the scent of the beans to the steam rising from your cup. 

Arabica

This is a type of coffee made from the beans of the Coffee arabica plant, known for its smooth flavour profiles.

Balance

This term is used in professional coffee tasting to refer to a harmonious distribution of flavours, where no single taste characteristic overwhelms the others. 

Bland

This is a term given to coffee that has an uninteresting flavour. It is typically found in robusta coffees cultivated at low elevations. Additional reason for coffee to be bland, is under-extraction where too little coffee is used or too coarse of a grind.

Blend

Imagine combining different coffee beans from various regions to create harmonious flavours. The idea behind this is to choose the best quality coffee from different origins and create a unique, balanced taste.

Body

In coffee tasting, “body” refers to the texture or mouthfeel of the brew. It describes how thick, rich , or light the coffee feels as you drink it. Coffee can range from light-bodied to full bodied, each delivering a unique experience on the palate.

Café au lait

A classic French drink, a café au lait is made by mixing brewed coffee with steamed milk in equal parts. It’s similar to a latte, but uses drip coffee instead of espresso for a smoother, less intense flavour.

Caffeine

Caffeine is the natural stimulant found in coffee that gives you that energising boost. It works by stimulating the central nervous system, helping you feel more awake and alert.

Cappuccino

This popular espresso drink is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and a thick layer of milk foam. Cappuccinos are known for their balance of strong coffee flavour and creamy texture.

Crema

Crema is the golden-brown, velvety foam that forms on top of a well-pulled espresso shot. It’s a sign of high-quality coffee, created by the perfect combination of pressure, heat, and freshly ground beans.

Cupping

Cupping is a tasting method used by coffee professionals to evaluate and compare different coffees. During a cupping session, brews are tested for flavour, aroma, and overall quality in a standardised way.

Dark roast

Dark roast coffee beans are roasted until they reach a deep, rich brown colour. This roasting style brings out bold, robust flavours, often with notes of chocolate or a slightly smoky aftertaste. 

Decaffeinated

Decaffeinated coffee, or “decaf,” has had most of its caffeine content removed, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy the taste of coffee without the stimulating effects of caffeine. 

Earthy

An earthy flavour in coffee is one that brings to mind the rich, natural taste of soil, wood, or fresh moss. This flavour note is often found in beans from regions like Sumatra adding depth and complexity to the cup.

Espresso

Espresso is a small, concentrated shot of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground beans under high pressure. It’s the foundation for many popular drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

Extraction

Extraction refers to the process of pulling flavour from coffee grounds into water during brewing. Proper extraction is key to a balanced cup–too much or too little can result in bitter or weak coffee.

Fairtrade coffee

Fairtrade coffee ensures that farmers are paid fairly and work in safe conditions, while also promoting environmentally sustainable practices. It’s a way to support both people and the planet with your coffee choices. 

Flavour 

Flavour is the overall taste profile of a coffee, made up of its aroma, sweetness, bitterness, acidity, and aftertaste. A well-balanced coffee will have a harmonious blend of these elements. 

French press

The French press is a popular brewing method where coarse coffee grounds are steeped in hot water, then separated by pressing a metal plunger. It produces a rich, full-bodied cup that highlights the coffee’s natural flavours.

Latte

A latte is an espresso-based drink made with steamed milk and a small amount of milk foam. Creamy and smooth, it’s one of the most popular coffee drinks, offering a milder coffee flavour compared to stronger options like cappuccinos. 

Macchiato

A macchiato is a shot of espresso “stained” with a small amount of milk or foam. This drink is ideal for those who enjoy the boldness of espresso but want just a hint of creaminess.

Mocha

A mocha is a delightful blend of espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate, creating a rich, sweet drink that’s perfect for anyone craving a combination of coffee and dessert.

Organic coffee

Organic coffee is ground without synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides or fertilisers. It’s farmed in a way that supports biodiversity and environmental health, making it a choice that benefits both you and the planet.

Roast

Roasting is the process of heating coffee beans to unlock their flavours. Beans can be roasted to different levels, from light to dark, each creating distinct tastes and characteristics in the final brew. 

Robusta

Robusta is a type of coffee bean known for its strong, bold flavour and higher caffeine content compared to Arabica beans. It’s often used in espresso blends to add intensity and body to the cup.

Single origin coffee

Single-origin coffee comes from one specific region or farm. It allows coffee drinkers to experience the unique flavour profiles of a particular location, often highlighting the best of what that area has to offer.

Specialty coffee

Speciality coffee refers to high-quality beans that score above 80 points on a 100-point scale. These coffees are grown, harvested, and roasted with great care to ensure superior flavour and aroma. 

Washed coffee

Washed coffee refers to a processing method where the coffee cherries are pulped and washed before drying. This technique produces a cleaner, brighter cup with more pronounced acidity and clarity of flavour. 

Where can I buy Gorilla’s Coffee? 

You can buy Gorilla’s Coffee both locally in Rwanda and internationally. In Rwanda, Gorilla’s Coffee is available at popular coffee shops and supermarkets such as Simba Supermarket and Sawa Citi as well as Duty Free stores at Kigali International Airport. 

If you live in the USA, you can purchase Gorilla’s Coffee on Amazon here.