Coffee inspection and testing
Before agreeing to buy a certain batch of coffee, Cogeco’s coffee
experts carefully examine the samples and the coffee’s description
provided by traders. Upon delivery of the samples, Cogeco’s experts
proceed first to toast the coffee, and then carry out an organoleptic
analysis.
The analysis
Visual assessment: usually carried out by only the most experienced
coffee experts. In fact, it requires a deep knowledge of the qualities
in the coffee bean’s exterior, for all the coffee varieties, as well
as the honed skill of being able to spot any potential flaws visible to
the naked eye. Bean size is also very important and it must comply to
the standards set for every specific coffee variety. As a result, all
the beans in a batch are examined, imperfect beans are rejected, and the
total percentage is calculated: the higher their percentage results in a
lower quality score.
Coffee tasting: once the coffee has been roasted, it is then ground
in the laboratory, and an espresso coffee is prepared. The next step is
an olfactory evaluation aimed at assessing the intensity and quality of
the aroma. Following the aroma test, a proper coffee tasting is
preformed whereby the taste is judged, and the taste profile, which
describes the main characteristics such as body, sweetness, bitterness,
acidity, to name just a few, is recording along with the defects in the
taste.
Cogeco coffee tasters have launched a new product range: raw coffee
blends created to satisfy the demands of small roasting companies, which
are becoming increasing popular in big cities. These blends are
specifically aimed at the most picky coffee lovers and espresso coffee
connoisseurs.
Cogeco Laboratory’s services
- Among the services provided by our laboratory, Cogeco offers sample
analysis for the most diverse of coffee varieties, including those we do
not deal in ourselves.
- Our experts also provide consulting
services on how to prepare and customize coffee blends.
Coffee tasting room
In our newly opened tasting room, clients are guided through the wonders
of the coffee world and helped, by our coffee experts, to fully
appreciate the typical characteristics of each coffee blend (including
those blends not supplied by Cogeco). There is also a course in coffee
tasting, aimed at those individuals who are looking to expand their
knowledge on the different coffee blends.