A tasting descriptor referring to a manner in which different flavour components such as acidity and body interact on the palate.
Balance refers to the overall harmony and equilibrium of a coffee’s flavour profile. A balanced coffee is one that has a harmonious combination of acidity, sweetness, bitterness, and body.
Acidity, sweetness, bitterness, and body are all important factors that contribute to the overall taste and quality of the coffee. Acidity provides a bright, lively, and refreshing taste, while sweetness provides a smooth and satisfying taste. Bitterness provides depth and complexity, and body provides the overall mouthfeel of the coffee.
Coffee tasters and roasters use a standardized sensory lexicon to evaluate the balance of a coffee, taking into account its acidity, sweetness, bitterness, and body. They evaluate the coffee based on the balance of its flavours, as well as its aroma and aftertaste, in order to determine its quality and to make decisions about purchasing or roasting it.
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