Much like wine tasting, coffee tasting (or cupping) is a technique used to evaluate the flavor profile of coffee. Will, the Millstone® Master Cupper, tastes hundreds of coffees each month. He roasts the samples in small batches and tries each brew from little cups. He's constantly on the lookout for the big four coffee characteristics — acidity, body, aroma and flavor.

Acidity refers to the pleasant and sharp quality of coffee that keeps it from tasting muted. It is a desirable characteristic that shouldn't be confused with the bitter connotation its name suggests, and can be measured as a sensation of dryness on the back of the palate and under the edges of the tongue. Body is the overall feeling of coffee in the mouth. The tongue perceives it as heaviness, thickness and richness. Aroma is the combination of smell and taste, contributing to the flavor's subtle distinctions. Flavor is the total impression of coffee in the palate, and is a combination of acidity, body and aroma.

Once you understand these basic tasting characteristics, you will be able to distinguish between the flavors of the varying roast levels. Light roasts provide a smooth taste, mild flavor and peak aroma. Medium roasts offer robust taste and full flavor, while medium dark roasts combine dark, rich taste with a full body. Dark roasts are noted for their bold, smoky, bittersweet taste. And finally, flavored coffees are usually light-roasted to give prominence to the flavor.

Just like wine, coffees can be paired with foods in a way that enhances each. Light roast coffees are wonderful with breakfast treats likeBlueberry Muffins , or a dessert like Key Lime Tart . Medium roast coffees are a handsome duo with Cannolis or Apple Pie à la Mode .Try some Chocolate-Covered Strawberries with a dark-roasted coffee. And finally, if you're a flavored coffee-lover, try a Millstone flavored coffee with a luscious piece ofPecan Pie or simple Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies .

Now that you're an expert taster, explore the distinctive personalities of the many exquisite varietals, blends and flavors of Our Coffees.