Coffee Cupping: Is the Score Really Everything?

Have you ever walked into a café and seen a barista loudly slurping coffee from a spoon, thoughtfully scribbling notes afterward? That’s coffee cupping, a professional method of evaluating coffee. But does a cupping score really tell you the full story of your coffee experience?

At 7000 Steps Coffee, cupping matters—but it's not the only thing that counts.

So, What Exactly Is Coffee Cupping?

In simple terms, cupping is a standardized tasting practice where coffees are assessed based on aroma, flavor, acidity, body, and aftertaste. Professionals assign a numerical score (typically from 0-100). Coffees scoring above 80 are considered specialty grade.

Cupping helps professionals identify and describe subtle flavors—think notes like dark chocolate, berries, floral hints, or citrus zest.

Why Do Professionals Cup Coffee?

• Consistency & Quality: Helps ensure consistent, high-quality coffee.

• Flavor Exploration: Reveals complex flavor profiles, guiding roasters and baristas.

• Market Value: High cupping scores typically help farmers earn more.

But Here’s Why the Score Isn’t Everything at 7000 Steps

1. Real-Life Brewing Matters More

A cupping session is great for evaluation, but it's not exactly how you brew coffee at home or in a café. A coffee that scores highly might not always taste amazing when brewed with your V60, AeroPress, or espresso machine.

Take, for instance, one of our growers from Meghalaya whose coffee scored 83.5—solid, but not remarkable. Yet, when brewed on a V60, it had such rich body, warm caramel notes, and subtle sweetness that it became an instant favorite among local cafés.

2. Capturing the Unique Northeast India Coffee Experience

Our coffees are often grown semi-wild, organically nurtured by local tribal communities in the Northeast hills. Traditional cupping methods sometimes miss the unique attributes of these coffees that shine beautifully when brewed manually. What matters to us is capturing that distinct, memorable taste experience.

3. Sustainability & Ethical Commitment

Numbers don't measure ethical sourcing, sustainable farming practices, or genuine relationships built over years. Our commitment to fair practices, community growth, and environmental sustainability is a core part of our coffee’s identity—and it doesn't come with a numerical score.

4. Customer & Café Preferences Over Scores

As a café owner, you probably know this better than anyone—your customers don't walk in asking for the cupping score. Instead, they want that unforgettable coffee experience that makes them return, share, and recommend your café.

That's our mission at 7000 Steps: not chasing high cupping scores, but helping your café create standout coffee experiences your customers remember.

FAQs About Coffee Cupping

Q: Is cupping important for coffee buyers?
A: Absolutely, as it ensures quality. But it shouldn't be the only deciding factor.

Q: How does cupping differ from brewing?
A: Cupping uses a standardized method for objective evaluation, while brewing methods like espresso or pour-over can dramatically alter taste.

Q: Do higher scores mean better coffee for home brewing?
A: Not necessarily. Brewing method, water quality, freshness, and personal preferences often matter more.

Taste Beyond Numbers

Next time you choose coffee, look beyond the cupping score. Brew one of our microlots or custom blends and share what you taste. Does it match the score—or does it tell a richer story?

At 7000 Steps, we're here to guide your coffee journey—one delicious step at a time.