What do the horizontal scales on the SCA cupping form measure?

The horizontal scales on the SCA cupping form are designed to measure qualitative aspects of coffee. This involves evaluating sensory attributes that describe the coffee's characteristics, such as aroma, acidity, body, and aftertaste. These attributes are typically not measured in numerical terms or quantities but are instead assessed subjectively by tasters, allowing them to express their perception of the coffee's qualities.

In contrast, options like intensity and quantitative data refer to more objective measures that can be counted or scaled mathematically. Flavor, while a significant component of the tasting experience, is addressed through those qualitative aspects rather than merely fitting into a single category or scale. Therefore, the emphasis on qualitative evaluations reflects the holistic approach to understanding and appreciating the complexities of coffee tasting within the SCA framework.