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.