What is the first step in the Four Steps of Tasting Coffee?

The first step in the Four Steps of Tasting Coffee is to smell the coffee. This step is crucial because the aroma of coffee significantly impacts its flavor profile and overall experience. By focusing on the smell first, tasters can identify different scent notes that may hint at the flavors present in the brew. The olfactory senses are tightly linked to taste, so recognizing the various aromas can enhance the tasting experience and provide deeper insights into the coffee's characteristics.

Finding aromas in coffee can involve noting complex qualities such as fruity, nutty, floral, or earthy scents. This initial step sets the foundation for what is to come in the tasting process, guiding the taster's expectations and experiences. Understanding the aromatic profile assists in fully appreciating the nuances of the coffee during the subsequent steps, where flavors are critically analyzed through slurping, locating, and describing.