The most popular drink in the United States, coffee is consumed here in many styles and both hot and cold. And we’re picky about the coffee that’s being served. A cup of coffee can vary widely depending on the ingredients, how it is prepared, and the quality of the beans that are used. But did you know that coffee appeals to all five of the senses? Therefore, it is critical to take a closer look at how coffee interacts with each of the five senses.
How the Five Senses Play a Role in the Cup of Coffee
In the past, a lot of people believed that a “tongue map” determined the taste of a beverage; however, this has been shown to be a myth. Coffee interacts with all five senses, which are sight, taste, smell, touch, and sound.
Sight
Sight plays a role in the quality of a cup of coffee because it builds a sense of anticipation. Experienced coffee drinkers know what a good cup of coffee looks like, and this sense of anticipation can play a role in the final taste. There is a saying that people eat with their eyes, and coffee certainly plays a role in this.
Taste
Of course, taste plays a role in the quality of the cup of coffee as well. A single cup of coffee can give off a wide range of flavors, ranging from umami to sweet and from bitter to sour. The conglomeration of these flavors can have an impact on the final coffee-drinking experience.
Smell
It has been well established that smell and taste work together to create a flavor sensation. Both the nostrils and the throat play a role in how a cup of coffee smells.
Touch
The feeling of coffee in the mouth can also impact its quality. Coffee viscosity plays a role in one’s overall experience, making it either more or less pleasant.
Sound
The sound of a single sip of coffee can impact how people experience its flavor. Even the sound of grinding beans can play a role.
Even though some senses may be more important than others, all of them combine to play a significant role in how coffee is enjoyed by the consumer.
Using the Right Equipment To Extract Flavor
Because all of these senses play an important role in a cup of coffee, it is important to use the right equipment to extract the best flavor. Flavor and aroma work together to generate sensations of sweetness, bitterness, and acidity. A cup of coffee has a complex flavor, and all of these flavors need to work in perfect harmony with one another, without one overpowering the other. Businesses should use the best equipment available to them to achieve this. But many businesses think that getting a good cup of coffee or espresso means having trained baristas. Which isn’t true.
Options for Coffee Machines: Interact With the Five Senses
Coffee and Espresso by Concordia
With Concordia machines, it is possible to leverage automation technology to produce consistently delicious cups of coffee or espresso. The sound of grinding beans and the aroma of fresh coffee can build a sense of anticipation that can improve the coffee drinking experience. The Ascent Touch is a bean-to-cup brewer providing the aromas of freshly ground beans and brewed coffee. With the XPress Touch Automatic Espresso Machine, no barista is needed for a delicate pull of espresso made just the way the consumer wants it. Both are easy for staff or customers to work without training, making them perfect for convenience stores, restaurants, and hospitality locations.
Espresso by Synesso
The S-Series from Synesso has a minimal footprint with exceptional extraction features combined with an interface that is easy to understand. It is perfect for creating the sound of dripping espresso that will entice your guests to indulge in the perfect beverage. With premium internal boilers and durable components that can stand up to continuous use, your barista gets as much assistance that they need, while still having the flexibility to make custom drinks.
Cold Brew and Nitro Coffee by U-Line
Are you a bar, bookstore, or coffee shop that always has the trendiest drinks on hand? The U-Line Nitro Infused Cold Coffee Dispenser has two taps - one that makes creamy nitro-brew coffee and the other produces traditional cold-brew coffee. This is a reliable, dependable coffee maker that will grab the attention of your guests immediately.
Touching your customer’s five senses when producing and serving coffee can help improve customer service and create repeat businesses. Have questions about how Concordia, Synesso, and U-Line can help? Talk to our expert coffee and beverage team to learn more.
