When scoring coffee on the SCA cupping form, how many points is given for an excellent attribute?

An excellent attribute in coffee cupping according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scoring guidelines is typically assigned a score range of 8 to 8.75 points. This classification signifies that the coffee possesses high-quality and desirable characteristics, such as superior flavor, aroma, and balance, elevating it above the average. Scorers use this point range to reflect the coffee's outstanding qualities that make it noteworthy compared to lower scoring ranges, which indicate varying levels of deficiency or mediocrity in those attributes.

In the context of the other point ranges, those assigned lower scores reflect less favorable attributes or characteristics, while a perfect score of 10 is reserved for coffees with exceptional and unparalleled attributes, which is less commonly achieved. Thus, the scoring for an excellent attribute aligns accurately with the established standards of the SCA, enabling both cuppers and consumers to identify high-quality coffee effectively.