What is a coffee flight?
A coffee flight is a multi-beverage experience that allows you to sample a variety of coffees.
Typically, a coffee flight consists of three to five different types of coffee drinks, prepared and served at once, side-by-side. The portions are often smaller, sometimes as small as 2 ounces, to prevent customers from becoming overwhelmed with caffeine.
The types of coffee included in a flight can vary widely, from black coffee to espresso drinks to cold brew, and can be made using different brewing methods like drip, pour over, French press, and espresso. This experience not only provides customers with a chance to taste different types of coffee but also helps them gain a deeper understanding of the drink.
In some cases, a knowledgeable barista guides the customers through each cup, explaining the flavor profiles much like a sommelier would do at a wine bar or winery. This experiential element is often appreciated by customers and can lead to increased sales and customer loyalty. However, offering coffee flights can present a challenge to some coffee shops due to the intense involvement and superior knowledge required from baristas.
Why you should try a coffee flight?
Expand Coffee Knowledge
Trying a coffee flight allows you to experience different types of coffee and compare flavors, aromas, and textures, ultimately enhancing your coffee-tasting experience and appreciation for the complexity and nuances of various coffee varieties.
Discover Personal Preferences
Sampling a variety of coffees in one sitting helps you explore different options and identify your personal preferences, making it an enjoyable way to try new things and find your favorite coffee.
Support Local Businesses
By participating in a coffee flight, you are supporting local coffee shops and roasters that offer innovative practices, contributing to the growth of the specialty coffee community.
Where does the word “coffee flights” come from?
The term “coffee flights” is derived from the concept of wine flights, where a selection of wines is served together for tasting and comparison purposes. The word “flight” in this context refers to a group or selection of items. Similarly, coffee flights offer a selection of different coffee varieties or brewing methods for customers to taste and compare.
Differences between “coffee flight” and “cupping”
Coffee flights and cupping are both methods used to evaluate and compare different types of coffee, but they differ in their approach and purpose.
Coffee flights involve tasting multiple coffees side by side, allowing tasters to quickly and clearly identify differences in flavor notes. This method is often used by coffee enthusiasts to develop their palates and discover their preferences.
On the other hand, cupping is a more formal and standardized process used by professionals to grade the quality of coffee and identify subtle differences between various types of beans. Cupping assesses aspects such as aroma, sweetness, freshness, acidity, mouthfeel, and aftertaste.