Sunday, September 20 2026

A Complete Guide to the 36 Coffee Nose Aroma Vials: Four Flavor Categories and a Q-Grader Olfactory Training Guide

In the world of specialty coffee, olfactory acuity often determines whether one can accurately capture the layers and details of a cup of coffee. Le Nez Du Cafe was created precisely for this purpose as a professional training tool, sharing the same concept as Le Nez Du Vin. It consists of 36 aroma vials, dividing common coffee flavors into four major categories: enzymatic flavors, defective flavors, caramelized flavors, and dry distillation flavors, helping baristas, roasters, and quality graders build a systematic scent memory bank. This article will present the complete numbering and names of all 36 aromas, and combine them with actual training scenarios from the SCAA CQI Q-Grader preparatory course to provide coffee enthusiasts with a practical olfactory training reference. Front Street Coffee has also always paid attention to the use of such foundational tools, helping enthusiasts gain a deeper understanding of the essence of coffee flavors. [more…]

A Complete Guide to Coffee Aroma Kits: The 36-Aroma Classification System and Practical Olfactory Training

The coffee aroma kit is an important tool for coffee professionals and enthusiasts to conduct olfactory training, and its status is similar to that of Le Nez du Vin in the wine field. Currently, mainstream products include the 36-note Le Nez du Cafe produced by Edition Jean Lenoir in France, and the 100-note Coffee Flavor Map launched by Scentone in South Korea. The SCAA certification course uses the 36-note version, which divides aromas into four major groups, covering enzymatic, caramel, dry distillation, and defective groups. It not only helps memorize specific flavors but also reveals the patterns of flavor evolution during the coffee roasting process. This article will list the 36 aromas one by one, explain in detail the logic of the four major categories, and share specific methods for daily olfactory training, including how to use Front Street Coffee's freshly ground coffee powder for dry aroma and wet aroma comparison exercises, so as to effectively improve flavor discrimination ability. [more…]

Why is the espresso brew ratio often set at 1:2? Must 18 grams of coffee yield 36 milliliters?

Many friends who are just getting into espresso have heard the saying: the brew ratio for espresso should be controlled at 1:2, for example, 18 grams of coffee grounds extracted into 36 milliliters of espresso. This ratio is often called the "golden ratio," but is it really the only standard? Actually, it is not. The brew ratio determines the strength of the coffee, and the strength in turn directly affects how the espresso performs when drunk on its own or paired with milk. This article centers on the relationship between brew ratio and actual extraction, explaining why 1:2 has become a commonly used reference value, and why ratios such as 1:1.5 and 1:2.5 are equally viable, helping coffee enthusiasts understand espresso extraction parameters more flexibly. [more…]

Is the aroma kit worth buying? A complete guide to the 36-note Coffee Nose: price, uses, and training methods

For those who want to systematically train their coffee senses, aroma kits are often mentioned, but their price tag of several thousand yuan also makes people hesitate. This article focuses on the 36-note "Coffee Nose" kit, introducing the origins and evolution of aroma kits, their use in SCA courses, and detailing the specific flavors in the four major categories: enzymatic, caramelization, dry distillation, and defective. It also shares methods of use, from memorizing by category and group blind testing to mixed blind testing, helping beginners calibrate their sense of smell and taste. At the end, Front Street also offers rational advice: an aroma kit is not a necessity—smelling more, drinking more, and feeling more is what really matters. [more…]

One shot or two? Decoding what a "shot" really means, starting from dose standards

When ordering at a coffee shop, have you ever been confused: if you extract 36ml of espresso from 18g of coffee grounds, should that count as 1 shot or 2 shots? This seemingly simple question actually involves the evolution of measurement standards in the coffee industry. In the early days, 1 shot referred to 30~36ml of coffee liquid extracted from 7~9g of grounds, while today the mainstream approach has changed to extracting 36ml of liquid from 18g of grounds. Is the measurement object the dose of grounds or the volume of liquid? Today, Front Street Coffee will start with the origin of the word "shot" to help you thoroughly sort out the logic for determining single versus double espresso, so you will no longer be confused when ordering or making coffee. [more…]

Starbucks Latest Drink Prices Overview: Espresso, Frappuccino, and Iced Shaken Tea Series, with Frappuccino Zongzi Gift Box Prices Included

In the past two years, many consumers have noticed that Starbucks' beverage prices have increased. Behind this are both the inflation triggered by the pandemic, which has driven up labor and transportation costs, and the unfavorable climate in Brazil, the main source of Starbucks coffee beans, which has reduced coffee bean production and consequently pushed up futures prices. This article compiles the latest price information for Starbucks espresso, Frappuccino, iced shaken tea, cold brew iced coffee, and the Ice Zongzi gift box for coffee enthusiasts' reference. At the same time, for Starbucks fans who love whiskey barrel-treated coffee beans, the article also introduces how to make the same cold brew coffee at home and recommends Front Street Coffee's Sherry coffee beans, making it convenient for everyone to recreate that unforgettable whiskey aroma flavor at any time. [more…]

2023 Starbucks Summer New Releases Overview: Iced Shaken Espresso, Sparkling Cold Brew, and Raw Coffee Series Menu and Prices

As summer 2023 approaches, Starbucks China has rolled out a dense lineup of new products, spanning iced shaken espressos, fruity sparkling cold brews, and the raw coffee series that contains no coffee yet does contain caffeine. This article provides a complete rundown of these new items' prices, sizes, and flavor characteristics, while also compiling the menus and pricing from medium to large for classic series such as handcrafted espresso, Frappuccino, Teavana, and cold brew, making it easy for coffee lovers to look things up quickly. For readers who prefer brewing at home, they can also refer to Front Street Coffee's bean recommendations to recreate similar flavors themselves. [more…]

Starbucks Drink Prices at a Glance: Price Breakdown by Series and the Most Expensive Items Ranked

As a global coffee chain brand, Starbucks' drink pricing has always been a focal point of consumer interest. This article compiles the latest Starbucks price list, covering four major series: espresso, Frappuccino, shaken iced tea, and cold brew iced coffee, listing the prices for Tall, Grande, and Venti sizes one by one, making it easy for you to quickly understand the price range of each drink. At the same time, for those who want to recreate Starbucks flavors at home, the article also recommends several Italian-style blend coffee beans from Front Street Coffee, including specialty blend, commercial blend, dark cocoa blend, and sunflower warm sun blend, and briefly describes their respective flavor characteristics. Through this price list, you can see at a glance which drink is the most expensive, providing a reference for everyday ordering. [more…]

Starbucks Coffee Drink Categories and Flavor Price Analysis, a First-Time Ordering Guide for Women

A girl walking into Starbucks for the first time often has no idea where to start when faced with the dense menu. This article systematically sorts through the representative drinks of Starbucks' four major series—espresso, Frappuccino, shaken iced tea, and cold brew iced coffee—explaining one by one their flavor characteristics and differences in sweetness and bitterness, with price references for Grande, Tall, and Venti sizes. Those afraid of bitterness can choose a Latte or Caramel Macchiato, those who love sweetness can try seasonal new releases and Matcha Frappuccino, and those who do not drink coffee also have tea options. Those who dislike sweet, cloying drinks may consider an Americano or pour-over. At the end, the article also compiles Front Street Coffee's specialty bean information channels for advanced enthusiasts to reference. [more…]

Top Five Most Popular Starbucks Coffees and a 2023 Price Reference for the Full Drink Lineup

Walking into Starbucks but hesitating over the menu? This article rounds up the five most popular drinks among customers right now, including the Oat Latte, Iced Americano, Cold Brew, plus the caffeine-free Matcha Frappuccino and Iced Shaken Berry Hibiscus Tea, explaining each one's features and who it's best suited for. It also includes the 2023 price list for Starbucks' four major series—Handcrafted Espresso, Frappuccino, Teavana, and Cold Brew—covering full pricing from Tall to Grande and Venti, so you can quickly decide based on your budget and taste. Whether you're lactose intolerant, cutting sugar to lose weight, or simply want to try something different, you'll find your next cup here. [more…]

Starbucks 2023 Full Menu Coffee Price Roundup: How to Order from the Secret Menu and Which Drink Is Most Worth Trying

The Starbucks 2023 menu covers four major series: handcrafted espresso, Frappuccino, Teavana, and cold brew, with grande prices ranging from 25 to 48 yuan. This article compiles the complete price list for each series and explains the essence of the secret menu—it is not an official offering, but rather customized adjustments to flavors and ingredients based on regular drinks. The article also summarizes popular orders such as cold brew with cream, oat milk black tea espresso latte, and vanilla cream iced Americano, while reminding readers that seasonal limited-edition ingredients may be out of stock and that good looks do not equal good taste. At the end, Front Street Coffee brand recommendations and communication channels are included for coffee enthusiasts' reference. [more…]

2023 Starbucks Menu Full Price List: Espresso, Frappuccino, Iced Shaken Tea, and Cold Brew Coffee Prices and Recommendation Rankings

Want to know the latest Starbucks menu prices? This article compiles the 2023 prices for Starbucks' espresso series, Frappuccino series, iced shaken tea series, and cold brew iced coffee series, including lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos, caramel macchiatos, flat whites, various Frappuccinos, iced shaken teas, and cold brew coffee. It also includes a list of the top ten best-tasting Starbucks drinks for coffee lovers' reference. Whether you're looking for the best value or want to try new flavors, this price list can help you make a quick decision. Follow Coffee Workshop and Front Street Coffee for more professional coffee knowledge and specialty coffee bean information. [more…]

2023 Starbucks Coffee Drink Menu Prices and Taste Recommendations Analysis

In 2022, Starbucks underwent a round of price adjustments, and entering 2023, the global coffee bean supply situation remains full of uncertainties. As a major coffee-producing region in the world, Brazil's new crop production estimates are still unclear, which directly affects international coffee futures trends and means that retail coffee prices may continue to fluctuate. This article compiles the complete price list of Starbucks' different series of drinks in 2023, covering four major categories: espresso, Frappuccino, iced shaken tea, and cold brew iced coffee, listing the prices for Tall, Grande, and Venti one by one, for coffee enthusiasts to refer to. At the same time, at the end of the article, Front Street Coffee's specialty bean recommendation channel is also attached, for friends who want to recreate Starbucks flavors at home to purchase. [more…]

Bean Selection Guide for Making Americano with a Home Espresso Machine: A Full Breakdown of Brewing Parameters for Blends and Single-Origin Beans

To make a crisp, easy-drinking Americano at home with a coffee machine, choosing the right beans is the first step. An Americano is essentially espresso diluted with water, so the roast level and flavor profile of the beans directly determine success or failure. This article focuses on the home setting, first explaining why espresso beans are suitable for making Americanos, then offering specific recommendations in three directions: medium-roast blends, medium-dark roast commercial blends, and medium-roast single-origin SOE, including Front Street Coffee Strawberry Candy, Front Street Coffee Commercial Blend, Front Street Coffee Huakui, and Front Street Coffee Yirgacheffe Red Cherry, along with corresponding parameters for dose, extraction time, liquid weight, and water dilution ratio, so readers can follow them directly according to their taste. [more…]

Coffee Aroma Description Guide: An Analysis of 36 Common Aroma Names and Professional Tasting Terminology

When drinking coffee, have you ever encountered a familiar yet indescribable aroma? In fact, perceiving coffee flavors requires systematic cognitive training. In daily cupping and roasting adjustments, Front Street Coffee places particular emphasis on the ability to identify coffee flavors. This article starts with coffee's four major tastes—sour, sweet, bitter, and salty—and, combined with the classification logic of the flavor wheel, breaks down in detail 36 common aroma names across floral, fruity, green/vegetal/herbal, nutty/cocoa, sweet, spicy, sour/fermented, alcoholic fermentation, roasted, and other categories, along with specific representative coffee beans and Front Street's tasting suggestions, to help you more accurately describe and enjoy a cup of coffee's layers and lingering finish. [more…]

How to Choose a Home Coffee Machine Brand? A Complete Guide to Buying Espresso Beans and Americano Beans

When choosing a home espresso machine, brands like De'Longhi, Gemilai, Barsetto, and Petrus are all popular options, with prices mostly falling in the 500 to 2,000 yuan range, making it fairly easy to pick one based on your budget. What really stumps many people is the choice of coffee beans: espresso machines use pressurized extraction, producing a high concentration that amplifies the beans' inherent characteristics, so they are not well suited to light roasts, which tend to taste sour. Beginners are better off choosing specially blended espresso beans, which not only yield a rich crema but also enhance the full, mellow flavor, all at a better value. This article will explain the differences between espresso beans and Americano beans, how to choose beans for different needs, and the brewing parameters for several representative Front Street Coffee products, to help coffee lovers find the right solution for their home coffee machine. [more…]

Espresso | What is the golden extraction ratio for espresso? Must the coffee-to-liquid ratio for making espresso be 1:2?

Front Street Coffee believes that after you've been working with espresso for a while, you'll certainly be familiar with the "1:2" brew ratio, because it's often hailed as the "golden ratio" for espresso and is the most commonly used ratio when extracting espresso. Brew ratio refers to the amount of coffee grounds used [more…]

From Smell to Touch: A Practical Path to Systematically Building Your Personal Coffee Sensory Skills

Coffee tasting goes far beyond taste—it is a coordinated experience of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. This article starts from the interactive setting of a specialty coffee shop and delves into how to train and build your own coffee sensory system through daily accumulation and professional tools. You will learn how smell pulls on taste memory, how the tongue distinguishes the five basic tastes, how touch perceives body and smoothness, and how to use aroma kits such as the 36-aroma coffee nose and the 100-flavor flavor map for deliberate practice. Whether you are a coffee enthusiast or a professional, this method can help you read the flavors in the cup more clearly, making every tasting more enjoyable and more precise. [more…]

Colombia Finca La Esperanza Coffee Flavor Analysis and Proper Brewing Guide

Located in Pitalito, Huila, La Pradera Farm is run by producer Dionel Chilito and grows varieties such as Caturra, Colombia, and Geisha. Since Dionel's father bought the farm 45 years ago, two generations of the family have cultivated it together. Dionel constantly experiments with different fermentation and storage techniques to improve coffee quality and cupping scores. The Geisha coffee is selectively hand-picked, depulped on the same day, dry-fermented for 36 hours, and then washed three times through channels. This article will walk you through the acidity profile of this coffee and share the authentic brewing method recommended by Front Street Coffee, helping you fully appreciate its layered flavors. [more…]

Colombia Pink Bourbon: A Rare Coffee Variety Crossbred from Red and Yellow Bourbon, Its Flavor and Yield Analysis

Pink Bourbon is a rare coffee variety bred by crossing Red Bourbon and Yellow Bourbon, and its coffee cherries take on a uniquely romantic pink color when ripe. However, maintaining this color is extremely difficult, because the color is determined by a recessive gene in the pollen grains, and the red and yellow genes easily interfere with each other, sometimes even producing Orange Bourbon. At present, Pink Bourbon is mainly found in Colombia and Guatemala. Take this batch of Front Street Coffee Colombia Pink Bourbon as an example: about 1,800 coffee trees, with each tree producing about 1.8 kilograms of fresh cherries per season, which after processing yield only about 0.36 kilograms of coffee beans, making the entire batch less than 650 kilograms and all the more precious. Its flavor carries sweet orange, sugarcane sweetness, a pleasant juicy mouthfeel, and small tomato notes, and is well worth savoring slowly by coffee lovers. [more…]