26/07/2026
From one side to the other. Also two topics for this week.
1. Why the tasting notes on the coffee bag, the menu, and your own cup usually not match.
This is probably one of the most common questions I got asked.
The tasting notes printed on a coffee bag are usually written by the roaster after cupping their coffee under their own controlled conditions. When those coffees arrived at the coffee shop, the baristas will dial them in using different equipment, different grinder, different water, and different brewing recipes. So the flavours that present may not be exactly the same.
On top of that, the taste is very personal. Our flavour memories are shaped by our own experiences. What reminds one person of peach might remind someone else of apricot, or simply "stone fruit." So if your cup doesn't taste exactly like what's written on the bag, or even what's on the menu, that's completely normal. Most importantly,
Trust your own palate.
2. Do baristas mind if customers add milk or sugar to their pour over coffee?
From a business perspective, once you've bought the coffee, it's yours. You have every right to enjoy it however you like.
As a barista, though, I'd usually recommend trying the coffee as it is first, to try the tastes of terroir. It's worth taking a few sips before changing anything.
That being said, lately, I've been experimenting with different pairings and found that some coffees can take on a completely new character with a small twist—like a bit of orange zest or a touch of mint syrup. Sometimes those additions don't cover up the coffee; they bring out something unexpected.
If you're curious to try something different, don't hesitate to ask your barista first.
#珈琲浪人
