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

Details:
Yield: 235g

Time: 2:40min

Pour 40g 45s → 135g 1:20min → 180g 1:55min → 235g 2:40min

Results:
Sweetness

4/5, caramel/toffee

Acidity

4/5, juicy and crisp apples

Body

3.5/5, medium

Mouthfeel

silky

Balance

4/5

Tasting Notes/Comments

straight-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

Details:
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