Another way to enhance your sensory experience of coffee is by trying out cups with different designs. The size, shape, material and even color of the cup can all affect the way the coffee smells and tastes.

Swirling is something that wine and whiskey enthusiasts have long been familiar with as a technique to enhance and amplify aroma. What’s fascinating is that swirling your coffee also enhances your sensory experience. 

1. Brew and serve your favorite coffee in your cup of choice
2. Without swirling, smell the coffee and take note of the aromas.
3. Next swirl the coffee (be sure to practice safe swirling with hot coffee). Smell the coffee again and take note of any change in aromas.

One of the first things you can try is brewing your favorite coffee using different methods. Manual pour over brew methods, French presses, and espresso machines are all popular choices, but each one produces a unique brew with its own distinct flavor profile. By trying out different brewing methods, you can discover which one you prefer and why.

For example, manual pour over methods give you full flexibility to play with different variables like turbulence, pour speed, and brewing device (ex. flat vs cone)–with each brew recipe and device producing unique flavor profiles. French presses, on the other hand, use a full-immersion method that allows the coffee grounds to steep in hot water, resulting in a full-bodied brew with a rich, smooth flavor. Espresso machines use high pressure to extract a concentrated shot of coffee with a bold, complex flavor. You might discover that you prefer the smooth, full-bodied flavor of a French press, or the bold, complex flavor of an espresso.

1. Choose your favorite coffee to brew. Use two different brewing methods using the same coffee.
2. Serve the coffee from the two brewing methods and pay attention to the taste, aroma, and mouthfeel of each brew.
3. Was there a difference in the way that each brew method brought out the different flavors of the coffee? You might discover a new preference for a brew method that you didn’t consider before! (For example, if you always brew coffee using pour over, you might discover that brewing using Aeropress highlights the flavors better)

Another way to enhance your sensory experience of coffee is by experimenting with different coffee beans and roasts. Coffee beans are grown in many different regions around the world, and each region has its own unique climate, soil, and growing conditions that can affect the flavor of the beans. Additionally, the way the beans are processed and roasted can also have a big impact on their flavor.

For example, coffee beans grown at high altitudes tend to be denser and have a more complex flavor profile, while beans grown at lower altitudes tend to be sweeter and have a brighter flavor.

Roasts also play a role in the flavor of coffee. Light roasts tend to be more acidic and have a brighter flavor, while dark roasts are more bold and have a deeper, roasted flavor.

1. Gather a selection of coffee beans with different origins and roast levels. Some of your roast options might include light, medium, and dark roasts, as well as beans from different regions such as Central America, South America, and Africa.
2. Brew batches of coffee using your selected beans and your preferred brewing method.
3. Pour a cup of coffee from each batch of beans, and allow the coffee to cool to a comfortable drinking temperature.
4. Taste a small amount of coffee from each cup, paying attention to the flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel.
5. Record your observations, noting any differences in the characteristics of the coffee made with different beans and roasts!

By trying out different beans and roasts, you can discover which ones you prefer and why. You could even try blending beans from different regions or roasters to create your own unique blend.

The size of the grind on your coffee beans can also affect the flavor of your coffee. Coarser grinds typically result in a more acidic brew, while finer grinds will produce a stronger brew with more body.

1. To experiment with grind size, first gather your favorite coffee beans.
2. Try brewing your coffee with both coarse and fine grinds, use the same brewing method, and compare the results.
3. Pay attention to the flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel of each brew. You might discover that you prefer a coarser grind for a more acidic brew, or a finer grind for a fuller-bodied brew!

Water temperature is another important factor that affects the flavor of your coffee. Water that is too hot can extract bitter flavors from the beans, while water that is too cold can result in a weak, under-extracted brew.

1. To experiment with water temperature, first get your favorite coffee beans.
2. Try brewing your coffee with water at different temperatures and compare the results. A good starting point is around 93.3°C (200°F) but you can try going a little higher or lower to see how it affects the flavor of your coffee.
3. As you experiment with water temperature, pay attention to the taste and aroma of your coffee. Does a hotter brew result in a more bitter flavor, or does it bring out more of the natural sweetness of the beans? Does a cooler brew result in a weaker flavor, or does it allow more of the delicate, nuanced flavors of the beans to shine through?

Coffee is a complex and versatile beverage that can be enjoyed in many different ways. By experimenting with different brewing methods, coffee origins and roasts, grind size, water temperature, drinking temperature, glasses, and swirling techniques, you can enhance your sensory experience of coffee and discover your own personal preferences.

Coffee is a never ending adventure of the senses, so grab your favorite beans and get brewing!