How To Know You’re Drinking The Perfect Coffee

Coffee is one of life’s great pleasures, and that might explain why it is the world’s second favorite drink, after water of course. But how can you tell you’re having the best experience when drinking a coffee? That’s the subject of this post. We look at some of the signs the experience is up to the standard you expect. 

The Drink Is Personal

One way to tell you’re having a great experience is if the coffee is tailored to your personal requirements. It could be bold or dark roast, but it should essentially match your preferences and mood.

Many gourmet coffee vendors do a great job of personalizing their products and making them less generic. When you drink these beans, you really feel like you’re getting something that was built around your personal preferences, and not just some corporate bottom line. 

The Aftertaste Makes Sense

Another sign you’re having a great experience is when the aftertaste makes sense to you. It shouldn’t have any bitterness or sourness to it, but introduce you to more complex flavors instead. 

Usually, you can tell you’re drinking an incredible cup of coffee if you have flavors of citrus or spice after you swallow. These sensations are the hallmark of a well-made brew and something that is hard to get, even if you go to a professional barista. 

It Sparks Joy

You might also be drinking a great coffee if it naturally sparks joy in you. Each sip should feel like a moment in itself, and enable you to have a better experience of the world around you. 

This sensation of joy is something that you often get when enjoying a coffee in a new location, or after receiving news. It is completely different to the rushed sense you get from consuming an instant coffee on a Monday morning at work to keep you away until lunch time. 

It’s Hot Enough

While it might sound strange to even mention it, the temperature of coffees can make a tremendous difference in how you experience them. Drinks should be hot enough to feel comfortable, but not so hot that they burn your tongue. Mostly, this means that the temperature should be around 70 degrees. 

If the coffee is too hot, it can actually burn, which is why it is so critical to keep temperatures lower. Don’t boil the kettle first, and instead rely on machines that can get the heat levels right for you. 

It Feels Silky In The Mouth

Another sign you’re drinking a great coffee is that it feels silky smooth in the mouth. High quality coffees have a velvety nature about them, with the right balance of crema to water. This is particularly important for those who like to drink espresso. 

The Flavor Is Balanced

Finally, the best coffees have a balanced flavor. These provide subtle notes of different kinds without overpowering you at any point. For example, you might get a combination of smoothness and sweetness, without any burnt bitterness making it through to your tastebuds.