The Roast it Yourself Podcast

Who Creates Coffee Tasting Notes?

March 13, 2026·12 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Episode 90: Where do coffee tasting notes actually come from—and how accurate are they? In this episode of the Roast It Yourself Podcast, Stephen Burnett and Catherine Mansell dive into a listener question from Larry in Michigan about the mysterious world of flavor notes on coffee. Catherine explains how tasting notes are developed during the green coffee evaluation process, why coffee is roasted and cupped before notes are written, and how producers, exporters, importers, and roasters all play a role in defining a coffee’s flavor profile. The hosts also discuss why tasting notes are really just a snapshot in time, how roasting level and brewing method can dramatically change what you taste, and why your own palate—and even what you ate yesterday—can influence the flavors you perceive. If you’ve ever wondered why one person tastes apricot while another tastes orange, or why your roast doesn’t always match the notes on the bag, this episode breaks it all down. Send your coffee roasting questions to questions@riypod.com NOTES: Follow Our Instagram Account @RIY_POD CHECK US OUT HERE: Coffee Bean Corral YouTube Coffee Bean Corral Website Current Crop Roasting Shop Website Rancher Wholesale Website

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