Jessica Easto: The Expert on Craft Coffee and Tasting Coffee
Jessica Easto is a writer, editor, and self-proclaimed “non-professional coffee person” who has made a name for herself in the coffee industry. Her 2017 book, Craft Coffee: A Manual, quickly gained popularity and received praise for its easy-to-understand recipes and comprehensive approach to coffee making. It has since been translated into multiple languages and continues to be a go-to resource for coffee enthusiasts.
Now, Easto is back with her new book, How To Taste Coffee, which focuses on the art of coffee tasting. Set to be released on October 24th by Agate Publishing, How To Taste Coffee takes a similar approach to Craft Coffee by breaking down the science, terminology, and practice of coffee cupping for a general audience. It aims to make coffee tasting more accessible, even for those without formal palate training.
To enhance the coffee tasting experience, Easto has partnered with Onyx Coffee Lab to create sensory training packages. These bundles include a copy of How To Taste Coffee and an Onyx Sampler Box containing four 4oz bags of single-origin coffee. This allows readers to put their newly acquired coffee tasting skills to the test.
In anticipation of the book’s release, we sat down with Jessica Easto to learn more about How To Taste Coffee, its unique approach to coffee tasting, and her collaboration with Onyx Coffee Lab.
Q: How did How To Taste Coffee come about? Why did you decide to write a second coffee book?
A: I noticed a disconnect between consumers and coffee professionals when it came to flavor notes in coffee. Many consumers found it difficult to taste and identify the advertised flavor notes in their coffee, which made specialty coffee seem inaccessible. I wanted to bridge this gap and make coffee tasting more enjoyable and approachable for everyone.
To understand this issue better, I delved into the science behind coffee flavor and our sensory systems. What I discovered was fascinating and complex. Although I didn’t solve the communication issue single-handedly, I hope my book provides practical tips and insights to help readers develop their palates and enjoy the full experience of coffee tasting.
Q: Who is the target audience for How To Taste Coffee?
A: Similar to Craft Coffee, my target audience for How To Taste Coffee is enthusiastic specialty coffee consumers who may not have access to the same resources and conversations as professionals. However, I believe professionals can also benefit from the book as it provides valuable information and exercises to enhance their sensory skills. Additionally, it may contribute to the conversation between professionals and consumers about how we talk about coffee flavor.
Q: How did you develop the content and curriculum for the book?
A: I spent over a year researching scientific articles and literature from professional organizations like the Specialty Coffee Association. I also attended sensory courses and had conversations with coffee professionals, including my husband and brother-in-law. I filtered everything through my experience as a coffee consumer and organized the information to cater to our goals of exploring coffee flavor and having fun.
The book also includes palate exercises that were tested by friends and readers, for which I am grateful.
Q: How does How To Taste Coffee differ from other books on coffee tasting?
A: Most existing books on coffee tasting are geared towards professionals who evaluate coffee. How To Taste Coffee, on the other hand, goes deeper into the science behind our sensory systems and how we detect flavor in coffee. It aims to provide context and help consumers understand why certain flavors may be challenging to detect in coffee. Additionally, I discuss the flaws in flavor notes and advocate for a shared coffee sensory language that is currently underutilized.
Q: Can you tell us about your collaboration with Onyx Coffee Lab?
A: Onyx Coffee Lab is one of my favorite roasters, and they have been supportive of Craft Coffee. I wanted readers to be able to experience different flavor profiles while practicing their coffee tasting skills, so I proposed the idea of presale bundles to Onyx. They agreed, and now readers can purchase bundles that include How To Taste Coffee and a selection of Onyx’s single-origin coffees. It’s a great way to put the book’s teachings into practice and have a complete coffee tasting experience.
In conclusion, Jessica Easto’s new book, How To Taste Coffee, is set to revolutionize the way enthusiasts approach coffee tasting. By making coffee flavor more accessible and providing practical exercises, the book empowers readers to develop their palates and enjoy the full sensory experience of coffee. With the collaboration with Onyx Coffee Lab, readers can also put their newfound skills to the test with a selection of high-quality single-origin coffees. Stay tuned for the release of How To Taste Coffee on October 24th, and embark on an exciting journey of coffee exploration and discovery.