📈 Coffee Visual Curve
🧠 Quick help: Adjust the sliders above to shape the intensity of each sensory component. Your curve reflects the perceived sensory profile. The grey dashed line is a balanced reference baseline that cannot be edited. Try out the distinction logic as well by switching versions above!
📊 What is the Coffee Visual Curve
The Coffee Visual Curve (CVC) is a visual tool to describe how a coffee evolves across key sensory categories. Inspired by photography’s histograms and audio EQ curves, it helps us express flavour in a way that translates feeling into form.
From acidity to body, finish and aftertaste, this curve helps you map the intensity and harmony of a coffee’s expression. Each curve is a fingerprint — a story about how a coffee lives on your palate.
Read More →📌 Mapping Logic
Our curve arranges flavour attributes linearly from light to dark, mirroring how sensory qualities often present in coffee. Brighter characteristics—like florals, citric acidity, and delicate aromatics—appear earlier in the curve. Heavier elements—like bitters, astringency, or deep maillard tones—fall toward the end. Learn more in the Attribute Breakdown section.
On the Y-axis, intensity is plotted from 0 to 10. Higher values don't always mean "better" — instead, they reflect perceived strength. The sweet spot often lies between 4 and 8, where attributes are prominent enough to stand out without overwhelming the cup. This is what we call the Goldilocks range.
The baseline curve represents a reference point: a medium-light roasted coffee with low florality, soft acidity, moderate fruit sweetness, medium body, and a clean finish — think of a simple honey or natural-processed lot with modest complexity. While real coffees are rarely this balanced or neutral, it serves as a helpful anchor to visualise deviation and nuance in your own curve.
🚫 Limitations
Maintaining consistency between tasters when plotting curves remains a key challenge, as perception is inherently subjective. That said, the curve’s primary role is not precision, but visual storytelling — helping to map the relative relationship between flavour points, and highlighting the most dominant attributes in a cup.
While absolute values may vary between individuals, the hierarchy of standout traits and the overall structural shape of a coffee should remain recognisable. The goal is to provide a shared language for communicating a coffee’s impression, not a fixed scorecard.
⚡ Scale Breakdown
Flavour intensity doesn’t always mean better — here's how we interpret it.
Bold and hard to ignore. Defines the cup — can be thrilling, but may overwhelm if not balanced.
Bold and vivid. Starts to steer the cup’s character, works well with restraint elsewhere.
A central trait — like vibrant acidity or full body — expressive but balanced.
Clear and noticeable. Brings interest and clarity without intensity.
Present but quiet. Offers shape and balance without drawing focus.
Faint or missing. Suggests clarity, restraint — or possible underdevelopment.
🧬 Attribute Breakdown
❓ FAQ
What’s the purpose of the grey baseline?+
It represents a reference curve of sensory balance—use it as a neutral comparison point.
Can I use this for espresso or only filter?+
While designed for filter clarity, you can map espresso, too—just note its unique intensities.
Will this curve be used for roast decisions?+
Yes! It’s part of how we share feedback and align on Cloud Roast profiles.
How do I save or share my curve?+
A ‘Save Curve’ and ‘Share Link’ feature is in development—stay tuned!