What is the significance of the 'cupping score' on a coffee bag?

The cupping score is the industry’s way of creating a shared language for quality. Developed by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the cupping process involves professional graders—Q-Graders—who systematically evaluate coffee by smelling and tasting it in a standardized, blind format. They assign points based on various criteria, including the coffee's "clean cup" (the absence of negative flavors), sweetness, balance, and uniformity.

For the consumer, the significance of the cupping score lies in setting expectations. A score of 80-84 represents "very good" specialty coffee; 85-89 is "excellent"; and 90+ is considered "outstanding." However, a high score is not a guarantee that you will personally enjoy the coffee. It indicates that the coffee is technically flawless and possesses vibrant, complex characteristics, but it doesn't tell you if the flavor profile is light and floral or dark and chocolatey.

It is also important to note that cupping scores are not set in stone. Coffee is an agricultural product, and a score can shift depending on when the coffee was graded, how it was stored, and how long it has been since it was roasted. A score provided at the time of export may be slightly higher than what you experience in your cup months later if the coffee has aged.

In practice, use the cupping score as a baseline for quality, not as a definitive taste preference. If you see a bag with a score of 87, you can be confident that the roaster has invested in high-quality, defect-free green coffee. From there, read the flavor notes and consider the roast level to decide if it matches your specific tastes.