SCA Flavor Wheel

Interactive SCA-standard flavor wheel for Arabica and Canephora. Build, explore and export sensory descriptors.

Frequently asked questions

What is the coffee flavor wheel?

It is a circular diagram organizing families of coffee aromas and flavors, from the center (general categories) to the edges (specific descriptors).

How do I use the flavor wheel?

Start at the center identifying the family (fruity, floral, roasted, etc.) and move outward to the most specific descriptor you recognize.

What is the difference between the arabica and canephora wheels?

Arabica follows the SCA sensory standard; canephora has its own set of descriptors, with notes specific to that species.

What is the wheel used for in cupping?

It standardizes vocabulary, helping to record and compare sensory evaluations consistently across tasters.

What is the sensory lexicon?

It is a reference document defining each flavor descriptor with standards, used to calibrate perception in evaluations.