Coffee Origin Flavour Map
Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 12:50 pmPage 1 of 1
Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 12:50 pmRE: Coffee Origin Flavour Map
Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 1:55 pmI like the idea, but can't help but being against it on some levels. I've had coffees this year from many origins (let's take Kenya for ease) that wouldn't cluster, but would be all across the map. The impact of ripeness, process, variety all have a larger impact (IMO) than geo-political boundaries. I don't think there are many (if any) origins where you could accurately describe the characteristics of all coffees coming from there. Perhaps Sumatra would be the easiest - but then there are more and more unusual coffees coming from there all the time.
RE: Coffee Origin Flavour Map
Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:39 pmThat was my main concern really.
The problem with writing a map based on varietal is that it is (IMO) far more likely to alienate the customer than a simple location is. But then there is nothing simple about coffee!
Perhaps the only way it can be useful is if it's customised on a per-cafe basis according to their offering.
- On a side note, can the area in which the coffee has grown be classified simply as a geo-political boundary? I've always found that the exports of any given country is a reflection of the culture and practices of that particular country (not to mention the terroir). In all but coffee, maybe?
The problem with writing a map based on varietal is that it is (IMO) far more likely to alienate the customer than a simple location is. But then there is nothing simple about coffee!
Perhaps the only way it can be useful is if it's customised on a per-cafe basis according to their offering.
- On a side note, can the area in which the coffee has grown be classified simply as a geo-political boundary? I've always found that the exports of any given country is a reflection of the culture and practices of that particular country (not to mention the terroir). In all but coffee, maybe?
RE: Coffee Origin Flavour Map
Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 9:19 pmI think if we are talking countries of origin, then pretty much yes. As for more specific growing zones - then you have a stronger chance at a profile due to similar practices, climate, varieties etc.
Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 10:50 pmI think it is a great idea, but instead of countries or regions you would have to list different coffee seperately.
Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 4:23 pmI like it! Of course coffees in different regions in each country and even plantation to plantation are going to vary, but I like this as an "average" finder.