Taste
Taste is the direct sensory perception of food or drink as it comes into contact with taste receptor cells on the tongue. The five basic tastes, sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami play an important role in defining the overall coffee experience.
Although closely related, flavor, aroma, and taste are distinct concepts and should not be used interchangeably. Taste refers to the taste sensation on the tongue, while aroma occurs when volatile compounds stimulate the sense of smell. The combination of the two creates flavor, which determines the coffee drinking experience.
In coffee, the balance of different tastes significantly affects quality. Sweetness increases drinkability, acidity adds brightness and complexity, while bitterness and aftertaste determine the final impression. These factors are not fixed but change depending on the coffee variety, growing conditions, processing method, and brewing technique.