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Comment by nkrisc | Hacker News Reader

I don’t think I could ever tell two different coffee varieties apart, but I can definitely tell good coffee from bad coffee. Though that’s probably mostly about the roast and freshness more than anything. So there’s probably something to it but I imagine most of it is unintentional bullshit.

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I got gifted a coffee subscription recently, and I was actually surprised how different each coffee was.

I think almost anyone could tell the difference between different coffees side by side. I just don't think people are super focused on the coffee flavor when they drink their regular brew.

I've also heard that if the coffee is too hot, the flavours don't come out completely (heard it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-iNAyu-ejo), so maybe that plays into it too?

Yes, you definitely have to brew your coffee correctly. Honestly, I've found regular cheap coffee makers are acceptably good and consistent. They are designed to drip water that is the right temp.

Where you have to be careful is when boiling the water yourself for a chemex or aeropress brew. Done right, those are better. But I can't be bothered most days.

I’ve found that brewing my coffee in 190 F water in an infuser type pot to give the taste I prefer best. Just good coffee flavor with no bitterness and is also conveniently a temperature that is immediately drinkable by the time I pour it.

I'm probably pretty accurate differentiating African from South American coffees, the flavours are pretty different. I'm not that great at this sort of stuff either, certainly not a food critic. But hey, some people can't tell the diff between pepsi and coke.

Assumes they're roasted nicely, otherwise it's comparing ashtrays with pencil shavings.

you need to try them next to each other.

here's james hoffmann's guide to cupping coffee at home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSEgP4VNynQ

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