Coffee Cupping Competition and Why It Matters

Two years in a row! We are proud to have won the Hawaii statewide coffee competition, but what does it mean?

side by side pics of coffee cupping competition award

There are so many factors that go into producing that one cup of coffee, including climate, soil, processing methods, how they’re sourced, types of roasts, grinds and brewing method. All these factors play a role in how the coffee tastes.

Coffee availability is ubiquitous, but good, quality coffee stands out among the crowded coffee aisles. How? One documented way is through coffee cupping competition.

Coffee cupping is the process used by coffee producers, buyers, and professionals to evaluate coffee aroma and flavor profile. Cupping professionals, or Q graders, review each cup in multiple categories: fragrance/aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, uniformity, clean cup, sweetness, defects, and overall taste experience. Cupping scores are the scores assigned to a cup based on these evaluations. It is both an art and a science.

 

pic of coffee graders smelling coffee

Coffee that scores 80 points or above is considered specialty coffee, Hog Heaven Coffee scored 83.25 in 2022 and 81.70 in 2023.

We’re honored to be part of world-renowned Hawaiian coffee farmers.

Know that when you purchase our Hog Heaven Coffee you’re getting quality coffee recognized by distinguished coffee connoisseurs. Taste for yourself!

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.