What does a clean cup indicate about a coffee sample?

A clean cup in coffee tasting typically indicates that there are no off-flavors present in the sample. This means the coffee has been properly processed, stored, and brewed, resulting in a pure and clear representation of the coffee's intrinsic characteristics. Recognizing a clean cup is crucial for evaluating coffee quality, as it allows tasters to identify the desired flavor notes without interference from defects or undesirable tastes.

While a clean cup might also suggest that the coffee has been brewed correctly or that it has a pleasant aroma, the definitive hallmark of a clean cup is the absence of off-flavors, which serves as the baseline for any further sensory evaluation. Hence, the focus on the absence of any negative attributes fosters a better understanding of the coffee's quality and potential flavor profile.