Choosing coffee beans can feel overwhelming - caramel, berry, chocolate, nutty, floral…
What do all these flavour notes even mean?
Good news: flavour notes are not additives.
They’re natural tasting hints created by the bean’s origin, roast, and processing.
This guide breaks everything down so you can confidently pick beans you’ll love.
What Are Coffee Flavour Notes?
They are subtle taste characteristics naturally present in the coffee, such as:
- Chocolatey
- Nutty
- Fruity
- Floral
- Caramel-like
- Spicy
- Citrusy
Think of them like wine tasting — descriptive, not artificial.
1. Chocolate & Caramel Notes — Smooth and Crowd-Pleasing
If you enjoy flat whites, lattes, or long blacks, chocolate-based flavour profiles are your best friend.
Taste profile:
- sweet
- comforting
- slightly creamy
- low acidity
Perfect for everyday drinkers.
CaffTail Pick: Purrk Up — chocolate-led and extremely smooth.
2. Nutty Notes — Balanced and Gentle
Great for people who prefer a rounded, mild cup.
Common nutty flavours include:
- almond
- hazelnut
- walnut
These beans pair beautifully with milk or black coffee.
3. Fruity Notes — Bright and Playful
If you enjoy coffees that feel refreshing or lively, fruity notes are ideal.
You might taste:
- blueberry
- raspberry
- peach
- apricot
These are often found in light-to-medium roasts, especially African origins.
4. Floral Notes — Elegant and Delicate
These beans are fragrant, almost tea-like, and perfect for slow pour-over brews.
You may notice:
- jasmine
- rose
- lavender
This style suits drinkers who enjoy clean, aromatic cups.
5. Choosing Based on Your Daily Routine
| Your Preference | Recommended Flavour Notes |
|---|---|
| Flat white every morning | Chocolate, caramel, nutty |
| Black coffee | Fruity, floral, chocolate |
| Sweet tooth | Caramel, brown sugar |
| Low-acidity need | Chocolate, nutty, brown sugar |
6. Why Freshness Makes Flavour Notes Clearer
Flavour notes fade over time, especially:
-
fruity aromas
-
floral aromas
Freshly roasted beans present flavour more vividly — which is why local roasters always taste better.
Discover Your Favourite Notes with CaffTail Coffee
Our beans are roasted weekly, making flavour notes rounder, clearer, and sweeter.
Try exploring with:
- Purrk Up — chocolate & brown sugar
- Fur-ever Roast — richer, deeper sweetness
Start Your Flavour Journey Today
Find your next favourite roast at cafftail.co.nz — and brew something that genuinely makes your day better.
