The Great American Coffee Taste Test

Introduction: Coffee culture in the United States is as diverse as the nation itself, with preferences ranging from light and fruity to dark and robust. To understand the taste preferences of American coffee drinkers, a blind taste test was conducted, featuring four distinct coffees. These coffees varied in roast level and processing method, aiming to answer three main questions regarding roast preferences and flavor profiles.

Methodology: Participants in the taste test were presented with four different coffees, labeled only as Coffee A, B, C, and D. They were instructed to taste each coffee and rate them based on flavor, aroma, and overall satisfaction on a scale from 1 to 10. After collecting responses, the attributes of each coffee were revealed:

• Coffee A: Light roast, washed process
• Coffee B: Medium roast
• Coffee C: Dark roast
• Coffee D: Light roast, natural process (fermented, funky/fruity)

Results:

1. Roast Level Preference:
   • The data revealed a clear preference among American coffee drinkers for Natural process and light roasts (Coffee D), with an average rating significantly higher than both light (Coffee A), Medium roast, and dark roasts (Coffee C).
   • Medium roast coffees were favored for their balanced flavor profile, offering a pleasant compromise between the brightness of light roasts and the richness of dark roasts.
2. Preference for Fermented, Fruity Flavors:
   • While Natural process and light roast (Coffee D) emerged as the overall favorite, there was also a notable interest in the unique flavor profile of Coffee D, which featured a light roast and natural process, resulting in fermented, fruity notes.
   • The natural process coffee (Coffee D) garnered appreciation for its adventurous and unconventional flavor profile, appealing to those seeking a more adventurous coffee experience.
3. Most Popular Coffee:
   • Despite the intriguing flavor profile of Coffee A, the most popular coffee among participants was Coffee D, the Natural process and light roast.
   • Coffee D's popularity can be attributed to its versatility, appealing to a wide range of coffee drinkers with its balanced flavor and aroma.

Conclusion: The results of the Great American Coffee Taste Test provide valuable insights into the preferences of American coffee drinkers. Natural process and light roast emerged as the preferred roast level, favored for the fermented, fruity notes of the natural process coffee (Coffee D). However, there is also a notable interest in (Coffee A) for its balanced flavor profile, as evidenced by the appreciation. Overall, the taste test highlights the diverse palate of American coffee drinkers and the importance of offering a variety of options to cater to different preferences.