How To Start Your Coffee Journal
Why Record Everything?
Coffee is so complex and interesting. Even the slightest change in weight, temperature, or time can make a big impact on how your coffee tastes. There are so many variables involved in making a cup of coffee, and it is almost impossible to remember every little detail for every single brew.
By recording everything, even if it tasted bad, over time you will realize patterns and trends. For example, how to fix certain undesirable flavours, or how to accentuate more acidity or sweetness in specific types of coffees or processing methods.
What to Record?
You can start your coffee journal on your phone, a spreadsheet, or a physical book. Pick the most convenient option so it doesn't become a hassle!
1. Basics
- Coffee Origin & Name
- Roast Date
- Brew Date
- Number of days after the roast
2. Set Up
- Brewing Method (e.g. V60 / Aeropress / Espresso)
- Type of Drink (e.g. Hot Filter / Iced Latte / Long Black)
- Grind Size
- Dose
- Temperature
- Ratio
3. Details
- Espresso
- Total Shot Time
- Yield
- If relevant: pre-infusion, ramp down, etc
- Filter
- Total Brew Time
- Yield
- Weight and Time of each pour
- Add-ons
- Ice
- Water
- Milk
4. Results
- Sweetness
- Acidity
- Body
- Mouthfeel/Texture
- Balance
- Tasting Notes/Flavour/Comments
Examples
Colombia Luis Toro (Washed)
Roasted: 1 Sep
Brew: 9 Sep (day 8)
Method & Drink: V60, Hot Filter
Grind Size: EK 9.5
Dose: 15g
Temp: 92°C
Ratio: 1:16
Yield: 235g
Time: 2:40min
Pour 40g 45s → 135g 1:20min → 180g 1:55min → 235g 2:40min
Results:Sweetness
4/5, caramel/toffee
Acidity4/5, juicy and crisp apples
Body3.5/5, medium
Mouthfeelsilky
Balance4/5
Tasting Notes/Commentsstraight-forward apple and caramel notes, easy drinking!
Indonesia Sweet Lakshana (Natural)
Roasted: 1 Sep
Brew: 6 Sep (day 5)
Method & Drink: Espresso, Hot White
Grind Size: EK 0.2
Dose: 19.4g
Temp: High
Ratio: 1:1.8
Yield: 36g
Time: 24s
Add on: 130g milk
Results:
Sweetness
4/5, brown sugar and ripe bananas
Acidity
2/5, rounded, winey
Body
4/5, medium-heavy
Mouthfeel
Velvety
Balance
4/5
Tasting Notes/Comments
intensely sweet, winey notes, banana cake, cocoa finish