Sensory Series – Exploring the Flavor Wheel: Spices & Roasts

Sensory Sessions – Exploring the Coffee Taster’s Flavor Wheel: Spices & Roasts

📅 Hosted at Pacific Coffee Research – First Friday’s from 3 pm – 5 pm

*Please note this session will be held the last Friday of June (as not to interfere with July 4th’s Federal Holiday)

Join us for Sensory Sessions, a five-part drop-in workshop series designed to expand your sensory skills and deepen your understanding of flavors and aromas. Each session explores a different section of the Coffee Taster’s Flavor Wheel, using hands-on exercises and the SCA’s Sensory Lexicon to connect sensory attributes to real-world references.

🌟 Attend Any Session – No Need to Complete All Five!
Each session stands alone, so you can drop in for just one or join multiple to build a broader sensory foundation.

☕ The Five-Part Series:
1️⃣ Citrus & Sour – Unpack the bright, tangy characteristics that define acidity in coffee.
2️⃣ Fruity & Floral – Explore the vibrant fruit and delicate floral notes found in specialty coffee.
3️⃣ Sweet, Nutty & Cocoa – Discover the comforting, sweet, and nutty flavors that create balance.
4️⃣ Spices & Roasts – Identify the warm, spiced complexities and the influence of roast development.
5️⃣ Off-Flavors & Quality Perception – Learn to recognize unexpected flavors, understand their origins, and assess their impact on overall quality.

🔍 What to Expect:

• Hands-On Flavor Discovery – Taste, smell, and analyze a variety of ingredients to build your sensory memory.
• Guided Tastings & Exercises – Experience structured tastings that enhance your ability to identify and describe flavors with confidence.
• Refine Your Palate – Develop a deeper appreciation for how we perceive taste, whether in coffee, food, or beverages.

This series is perfect for food and beverage lovers, whether you’re a coffee enthusiast, culinary professional, or simply someone who enjoys exploring flavors. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and an open palate!