Coffee culture

The Latest 2017 SCAA Coffee Flavor Wheel HD Image_The Origin of High-Definition Chinese and English Coffee Flavor Wheel

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee
Last Updated: 2026/01/27, On January 19, 2016, SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) in collaboration with WCR (World Coffee Research) made history by updating the SCAA Coffee Flavor Wheel

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Historical Revision of the SCAA Coffee Flavor Wheel

On January 19, 2016, the SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) joined forces with WCR (World Coffee Research) to make a historic revision to the SCAA Coffee Flavor Wheel. This marked the first revision in 21 years since the creation of the SCAA Coffee Flavor Wheel, representing an undoubtedly historic change for the coffee industry.

The Evolution of Coffee Tasting Language

The range of flavors and professional terminology covered by the flavor wheel has been effectively supplemented. The new coffee flavor wheel quickly went viral in the coffee community upon its release. Everyone's sensory perception of food and drink belongs to personal subjective consciousness. However, in the world of coffee cupping, even when expressing subjective taste opinions, it remains difficult to communicate clearly. To find a more objective and common language that allows more judges to communicate with each other, the SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) developed specialized "aroma terminology" for taste opinions.

What was created using these aroma terminology terms is the "Flavor Wheel." The flavor wheel can be described as the bible for cuppers and roasters. Cuppers give life to the flavor wheel. Roasters express the flavor wheel. Perhaps the flavor wheel exists to serve them, and it is precisely the flavor wheel that makes cuppers and roasters particularly important.

New English Flavor Wheel

The Essential Triangle of Coffee Excellence

Cupping, guided by the flavor wheel, becomes simple and clear. Roasting, guided by the flavor wheel, becomes more expressive. The flavor wheel, cuppers, and roasters form a solid iron triangle in the stage from cultivation to the final cup. Among the countless floral and fruity aromas in each cup, we need a standard—something that allows us to概括 various flavors, which is the very reason the flavor wheel was born.

Coffee's Journey Through Civilization

Starting from taste and aroma, it meticulously classifies various delightful sensory experiences; beginning with defects and contamination, it reminds us of the importance of coffee quality. We need to know how much progress we have truly made. Coffee has experienced a magnificent epic of human civilization and culture. For hundreds of years, coffee has been a silent yet gentle force, changing history and those who create history in the most unsuspecting ways. In this vast world, coffee continuously proves its existential value, and this flavor wheel, built upon history, represents the spirit of pursuit and progress—a banner raised by specialty coffee.

SACC Coffee Flavor Wheel

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