I don't like coffee. Can James Hoffmann change that?

Tom Scott plus・2 minutes read

The individual meets with James Hoffmann to explore coffee tasting, starting from a negative childhood experience with cheap coffee and transitioning to enjoy different coffee styles, ultimately favoring decaf espresso. Through guided tasting sessions and comparisons of bitterness, sweetness, acidity, and flavor profiles, the individual learns to appreciate various aspects of coffee, shifting from not liking coffee to savoring espresso.

Insights

  • Exploring coffee tasting with James Hoffmann, the individual overcomes a childhood dislike of coffee, focusing on bitterness and natural sweetness in a guided comparative tasting session, ultimately shifting towards enjoying espresso.
  • Through a process of guided tasting emphasizing bitterness, sweetness, acidity, and flavor profiles, the individual transitions from disliking coffee to appreciating various styles, culminating in an enjoyable experience with decaf espresso and a newfound appreciation for different coffee nuances.

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Recent questions

  • How does coffee tasting work?

    Coffee tasting involves pouring hot water over ground coffee, allowing it to sit, stirring, and then tasting the liquid. Comparing bitterness and sweetness levels is crucial, focusing on natural sweetness. Slurping the coffee aerates it for a better tasting experience. Comparative tasting helps in appreciating different aspects of coffee.

  • What are the key aspects to compare in coffee tasting?

    In coffee tasting, it is essential to compare bitterness levels and natural sweetness. Acidity levels should also be noted, as they can vary between different coffees. The flavor profiles of each coffee should be assessed to understand the nuances of each brew.

  • How can one learn to appreciate different aspects of coffee?

    The best way to learn to appreciate different aspects of coffee is through comparative tasting. By tasting different coffees side by side, one can discern variations in bitterness, sweetness, acidity, and flavor profiles. This method helps in developing a palate for coffee.

  • What is the significance of acidity levels in coffee tasting?

    Acidity levels in coffee play a crucial role in determining its flavor profile. By assessing acidity levels, one can understand the brightness and liveliness of a coffee. Different coffees can have varying acidity levels, which contribute to their overall taste.

  • What is the goal of a coffee tasting session?

    The goal of a coffee tasting session is to introduce individuals to different coffee styles and flavors. By guiding them through comparative tastings and focusing on aspects like bitterness, sweetness, acidity, and flavor profiles, the aim is to transition someone from not liking coffee to enjoying and appreciating the nuances of espresso and other coffee drinks.

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Summary

00:00

Exploring Coffee Tasting with James Hoffmann

  • The individual is meeting with James Hoffmann, a coffee expert and YouTuber, to explore coffee tasting.
  • The individual has not enjoyed coffee since childhood due to a negative initial experience with cheap drip coffee.
  • They are open to reevaluating their taste preferences and exploring if they now appreciate coffee.
  • The tasting session will focus on non-caffeinated coffees, as the individual is not a fan of caffeine.
  • Three different coffees are presented for a guided tasting session.
  • The tasting process involves pouring boiling water over ground coffee in glasses, allowing it to sit for four minutes, stirring, and then tasting the liquid.
  • The individual is guided to compare the bitterness levels of the three coffees.
  • Sweetness is also a key aspect to compare, with a focus on natural sweetness rather than added sugar.
  • The tasting process involves slurping the coffee from a cup to aerate it and enhance the tasting experience.
  • Comparative tasting is emphasized as the best way to learn to taste and appreciate different aspects of coffee.

11:29

Coffee Tasting: Bitterness, Sweetness, and Acidity Levels

  • The speaker tastes three different coffees, noting bitterness and sweetness levels.
  • They struggle to identify the sweet note in one of the coffees.
  • The speaker compares the sweetness levels of two coffees, finding them similar.
  • They mention feeling like they are at an optician's, choosing between one or two.
  • The speaker finishes one cup absentmindedly and finds it pleasant.
  • They instruct the listener to pay attention to acidity levels in the coffees.
  • The speaker tastes each coffee to determine the acidity levels, finding more in one of them.
  • They infer the listener's preference based on acidity and sweetness levels.
  • The speaker shifts focus to flavor in the second round of tasting.
  • They guide the listener through assessing flavor profiles of the different coffees.

24:16

Exploring Coffee: From Decaf to Espresso

  • The baristas upstairs have prepared various coffee drinks, including espresso, flat white, cappuccino, and decaf espresso.
  • The decaf espresso is intense and enjoyable, with a dense liquid at the bottom that changes the drink's flavor as you sip.
  • A cappuccino is made with foamed milk on top of an espresso, creating a coffee milkshake-like taste.
  • Different caffeinated coffees are compared, with one having more acidity and juiciness, while the other is intense and overwhelming.
  • The goal of the tasting session is to introduce the individual to different coffee styles, leading them from not liking coffee to enjoying espresso.
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