What’s That Number in the Gold Star? Understanding Coffee Cupping and Why It Matters
If you’ve ever wondered what that number inside the gold star on our Quetzal Coffee bags means, you’re not alone! We’re here to break it down for you.
At Quetzal Coffee, we proudly bring you specialty coffee from Mataquescuintla, Jalapa, Guatemala. The number in the star isn’t just for show—it’s the cupping score, and it tells you a lot about the quality of the coffee you’re drinking.
What Is Coffee Cupping?
Coffee cupping is a tasting process used by coffee professionals around the world to evaluate the quality and flavor of coffee beans. It’s kind of like a wine tasting—but for coffee!
Cupping is how we determine what makes a coffee “specialty,” and it’s how we make sure that what ends up in your cup is the best it can be.
The SCA and the 100-Point Scale
The SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) is the global organization behind the standard cupping process. Their goal? To make coffee better—both for people who drink it and those who grow it.
Cupping is performed by certified professionals called Q Graders, who are trained to evaluate coffee on a 100-point scale. Here’s how it works:
Each coffee is brewed in five separate cups and scored on several key categories:
- Fragrance (the smell of the dry coffee grounds)
- Aroma (the smell once water is added)
- Flavor
- Aftertaste
- Mouthfeel (sometimes called “body”)
- Acidity
- Overall impression
Each category is scored from 1 to 10 (with 10 being exceptional), and the scores are added together. If any defects are detected in one or more cups, points can be deducted. To be considered specialty coffee, a coffee must score 80 points or higher.
What This Means for Your Coffee
Our producer, Alex Reynoso, carefully follows the SCA’s green coffee grading standards to check for any defects before roasting even begins. Then, through cupping, each lot of coffee is scored based on its flavor profile and quality.
In the case of our Marsellesa varietal, Alex shared the cupping report with us from the 2024 harvest. You can see the breakdown under “Taza” (which means “cup” in Spanish), showing how each element contributed to the final score.
These scores are more than just numbers—they’re a reflection of the hard work and dedication behind every cup. So when you see a high cupping score on one of our bags, you know you’re drinking something truly special.
Want to Taste Like a Pro?
As you sip your next cup of Quetzal Coffee, try exploring the flavors using this coffee flavor wheel—a fun tool used by professionals and enthusiasts alike to identify tasting notes. You might just discover hints of chocolate, citrus, berries, or even floral notes you never noticed before.
At Quetzal Coffee, we’re proud to bring you coffee that doesn’t just taste good—it scores high too. Here’s to better coffee, one gold star at a time.
