A coffee tasting class at your finger-tips!
Follow along our step-by-step guide to tasting the coffees in the Explorer box at your own convenience
THERE’S A TASTING FOR EVERYONE
EXPRESS TASTING
10 minutes
Want to learn just a little more about coffee? Try our quick tips to taste the coffees better!
QUICK TASTING
30 minutes
Brew the five coffees side-by-side (no coffee maker needed) with a step-by-step guide to smell & taste the coffees like a pro!
COMPREHENSIVE TASTING
45 minutes
Similar to the quick tasting, but you’ll go a bit more in-depth while tasting, and explore concepts of body, acidity & after-taste.
WHAT YOU’ll NEED
The Explorer Box Kit (the five coffees, Tasting form & Flavor wheel)
A grinder (if you got whole beans)
A kitchen scale or measuring spoons
A 1.2L kettle or pot to boil water.
4 mugs of a similar size (that can hold at least 7.5oz).
2 additional mugs of any size.
2 spoons - preferably soup spoons. If not available, teaspoons work.
No coffee maker needed!
THE PERFECT WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE EXPLORER KIT
All Driftaway subscriptions start with an explorer box - five unique coffees from around the world.
Here’s a chance to smell and taste them side by side in a “cupping”, similar to how professionals taste and evaluate coffees.
FIND YOUR FAVORITES
Tasting is the only way to figure out what coffee you like. Tasting the explorer kit side-by-side with James will help you identify your coffee preferences and learn more about what kind of coffees you enjoy!
Already a subscriber but want to taste along? Just email us and we’ll be happy to replace your next delivery with an unlabeled Explorer kit!
FAQ
I can’t find my tasting form & flavor wheel - help!
If your Explorer Box didn’t include a tasting form, you can go to … and print one out. The Flavor Wheel is on the back of the brochure that comes in the Box - and it’s also available at the same link for printing.
What is the difference between the three types of tastings?
The main difference is the time you’ll spend. The Express Tasting is just 10 minutes, and for this one, you make and rink the coffee as you normally would, using some fast tips for learning a bit more about what you’re tasting. For the Quick (30 min) & Comprehensive (45 min), you’ll make up all 5 coffees at the same time, steeping them side-by-side in your own mugs. For these, you’ll go deeper into examining the aspects of a coffee’s flavor.
Do I need to make five different cups of coffee with my coffee maker?
No - you won’t need a coffee maker or filter at all. You’ll be steeping each coffee in a mug, and then sipping off the top with a spoon.
How much water do I need to have?
You need 1.5L or 50oz.
Do I need a grinder?
We offer ground coffee as well as whole bean. You’ll need a medium grind size for the tasting, so as long as you chose “Grind for Drip” when you purchased the Explorer Box or subscription, you’ll be good.
My coffees are ground fine for espresso - can I still participate?
Yes, you should choose the “Express” self guided tasting. You can make yourself an espresso from each bag of coffee, either on the same day or different days. You can always leave the form and come back the next day - it saves your progress!
My coffees are ground coarse for French press - can I still participate?
Yes, you should choose the “Express” self guided tasting. You can make yourself an espresso from each bag of coffee, either on the same day or different days. You can always leave the form and come back the next day - it saves your progress!
I have coffees ground fine for espresso - can I do the Zoom tasting, or the Quick or Comprehensive self guided tasting?
Unfortunately, no. For this type of tasting, where we steep the coffees right in a mug with no filter required, the coffee needs to be ground medium. You can definitely follow along, but we don’t recommend using such a fine grind for this side-by-side comparative tasting.
I have coffees ground coarse for French press - can I do the Zoom tasting, or the Quick or Comprehensive self guided tasting?
Unfortunately, no. For this type of tasting, where we steep the coffees right in a mug with no filter required, the coffee needs to be ground medium. You can definitely follow along, but we don’t recommend using such a coarse grind for this side-by-side comparative tasting.
Do I need a kettle?
You can heat your water in a pot if you don’t have a kettle.
I don’t have a kitchen scale - can I still participate?
Yes! You’d need a tablespoon scoop and a measuring pitcher.
Is there a cost for the Zoom tasting?
No, all tastings are free.
Can I invite a friend to join?
Absolutely! Your friend can either share your coffees, or you can purchase an additional Explorer Kit here.
