Coffee Cupping Competition and Why It Matters

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

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 is rare. The Hawaii region produces only 0.05 percent of coffee worldwide, it's a testament to why Hawaii 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.

Coffee that scores 80 points or above is considered specialty coffee, Hog Heaven Coffee scored above 80 points three straight years.

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!