Coffee Experts Blind Taste Test Every Supermarket Coffee
Coffee Experts Blind Taste Test Every Supermarket Coffee is a medium International recipe that serves 4. 2 calories per serving. Recipe by Epicurious on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $95.74 total, $23.94 per serving
Ingredients
- 10 g Dunkin Donuts Colombian Ground Coffee (medium roast, 100% Arabica, pre‑ground)
- 10 g Intelligencia House Blend Whole Bean Coffee (light roast, blend of Latin America & East Africa, whole bean)
- 10 g Stumptown Hair Bender Whole Bean Coffee (medium‑dark roast, blend with African beans, whole bean)
- 10 g Starbucks Pike Place Whole Bean Coffee (medium roast, 100% Arabica, whole bean)
- 10 g Maxwell House Original Roast Ground Coffee (medium roast, blend of Arabica & Robusta, pre‑ground)
- 10 g Whole Foods Organic Early Bird Blend Whole Bean Coffee (medium roast, 100% Arabica, organic, whole bean)
Instructions
Gather and Prepare Ingredients
Lay out all six coffee bags, a clean cutting board, and a small bowl for each coffee. Measure 10 g of each coffee using the digital scale.
Time: PT3M
Grind Whole Beans
Grind the Intelligencia, Stumptown, Starbucks, and Whole Foods beans to the appropriate size for their brewing method: coarse for French press, medium‑fine for drip, fine for espresso.
Time: PT4M
Heat Water
Fill the gooseneck kettle with fresh filtered water and heat to 200°F (93°C).
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 200°F
Brew French Press Coffee (Intelligencia)
Add the 10 g of Intelligencia coarse grind to the French press, pour 150 ml of 200°F water, stir, place the plunger, and steep for 4 minutes. Press slowly and pour into a tasting cup.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 200°F
Brew Drip Coffee (Starbucks Pike Place & Whole Foods)
Place the medium‑fine grounds of Starbucks and Whole Foods (separate filters) into the drip maker, add 150 ml of 200°F water for each, and brew according to the machine’s cycle (≈3 minutes).
Time: PT6M
Temperature: 200°F
Brew Espresso (Stumptown Hair Bender)
Load the fine‑ground Stumptown into the espresso machine’s portafilter, tamp evenly, and extract a 30 ml shot at 9 bar pressure (≈30 seconds).
Time: PT4M
Brew Ground Coffees (Dunkin Donuts & Maxwell House)
Use the drip coffee maker with the pre‑ground Dunkin Donuts and Maxwell House coffees, each with 150 ml of 200°F water, brewing for about 3 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 200°F
Serve and Evaluate
Place each brewed coffee into its own demitasse cup, label if desired, and taste in the order of lightest to darkest roast. Note acidity, sweetness, body, and finish on a simple score sheet.
Time: PT5M
Cleanup
Discard used grounds, rinse the French press, drip filter, and espresso portafilter. Wash all equipment with warm soapy water and dry.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 2
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 0 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free
Allergens: Caffeine
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Dunkin Donuts Colombian Ground Coffee: any medium‑roast ground Arabica
- Instead of Intelligencia House Blend Whole Bean Coffee: any light‑roast single‑origin whole bean
- Instead of Stumptown Hair Bender Whole Bean Coffee: any espresso‑grade blend
- Instead of Starbucks Pike Place Whole Bean Coffee: any medium‑roast Starbucks blend
- Instead of Maxwell House Original Roast Ground Coffee: any budget‑grade ground coffee
- Instead of Whole Foods Organic Early Bird Blend Whole Bean Coffee: any organic medium‑roast whole bean
Equipment Needed
- Burr Coffee Grinder
- Digital Scale
- Gooseneck Kettle
- French Press
- Drip Coffee Maker
- Espresso Machine (optional)
- Timer
- Coffee Cups (demitasse or small tasting cups)
- Stirring Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Grind whole beans immediately before brewing to preserve freshness.
- Maintain water temperature between 195‑205°F (90‑96°C) for optimal extraction.
- Observe correct brew times (4 min French press, 30 sec espresso, 3 min drip) to avoid under‑ or over‑extraction.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use filtered water with a mineral content of 150‑250 ppm for the best flavor balance.
- Let freshly brewed coffee sit for 30 seconds after brewing; this allows aromatics to settle and improves taste.
- Taste the coffees in order of lightest roast to darkest to prevent lingering bitterness from influencing earlier samples.
Troubleshooting
Coffee tastes overly sour.
Decrease grind size (make it finer) or increase brew time slightly to extract more sugars.
Coffee is bitter and astringent.
Grind coarser, shorten brew time, or lower water temperature to 195°F.
Weak or watery cup.
Increase coffee dose to 12 g or use a slightly finer grind.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store any leftover whole beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; bring to room temperature before grinding.
Freezer: Whole beans can be frozen for up to 3 months in a vacuum‑sealed bag; thaw completely before use.
Room temperature: Ground coffee should be kept in a sealed, opaque container at room temperature and used within 1 week of opening.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre‑measure 10 g portions of each coffee and store them in labeled zip‑lock bags.
- If you lack an espresso machine, brew a strong Moka pot concentrate ahead of time and reheat gently before tasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of coffee tasting flights in the United States coffee culture?
Coffee tasting flights, also called cuppings, originated in specialty coffee circles to evaluate beans much like wine tastings. In the U.S., they grew alongside the third‑wave coffee movement, emphasizing origin, processing method, and roast level as markers of quality.
What are the traditional regional variations of coffee cupping in the coffee‑producing regions of Latin America and East Africa?
Latin American cuppings often highlight bright acidity, chocolate, and nutty notes, while East African cuppings focus on fruit‑forward flavors like citrus and berry, reflecting the different terroirs and processing methods (washed vs. natural).
How is a coffee tasting flight traditionally served in third‑wave coffee shops?
Third‑wave shops serve a flight in small, identical demitasse cups, usually with a score sheet, a glass of water, and a neutral palate cleanser like plain crackers. The beans are freshly ground, brewed with consistent ratios, and evaluated in a quiet environment.
What occasions or celebrations is a coffee tasting flight traditionally associated with in coffee‑loving cultures?
Coffee flights are popular at barista competitions, coffee festivals, and specialty coffee shop openings. They’re also used for corporate team‑building events and as a weekend ritual for coffee enthusiasts.
What makes the Stumptown Hair Bender whole bean coffee special in the third‑wave coffee scene?
Stumptown Hair Bender blends African and Latin American beans, offering a balanced body, bright citrus notes, and a quick finish that showcases the brand’s focus on complexity and consistency, making it a staple for espresso and drip alike.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making a coffee tasting flight at home?
Common errors include grinding beans too early (causing oxidation), using water that’s too hot or too cold, inconsistent coffee‑to‑water ratios, and not cleaning equipment between brews, all of which can mask the true flavor of each coffee.
Why does this coffee tasting flight recipe use a French press for the Intelligencia blend instead of a pour‑over?
The French press allows a fuller body and longer contact time, which highlights the light‑roast Intelligencia’s subtle fruit and caramel notes, whereas a pour‑over would emphasize clarity but could under‑extract the delicate flavors.
Can I make this coffee tasting flight ahead of time and how should I store the brewed coffee?
Brewed coffee can be stored in a thermos at room temperature for up to 30 minutes, but for accurate tasting it’s best to serve immediately. If you must store, keep each cup sealed and re‑heat gently to 150°F before tasting.
What does the YouTube channel Epicurious specialize in?
The YouTube channel Epicurious specializes in food journalism, recipe testing, and culinary education, offering detailed video guides that blend cooking science with approachable home‑cook techniques.
How does the YouTube channel Epicurious' approach to coffee tasting differ from other coffee‑focused channels?
Epicurious frames coffee tasting within a broader culinary context, comparing coffee flavor profiles to wine and food pairings, whereas many coffee‑specific channels focus solely on technical brewing methods and equipment reviews.
What other coffee‑related recipes is the YouTube channel Epicurious known for?
Epicurious is known for recipes such as cold‑brew coffee cocktails, coffee‑infused desserts like tiramisu, and instructional videos on home espresso setups and latte art.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
