SCA Cupping Score

The SCA cupping score is a standardized evaluation protocol scoring coffee on a 100-point scale. Ten attributes are scored: Fragrance/Aroma, Flavor, Aftertaste, Acidity, Body, Uniformity, Balance, Clean Cup, Sweetness, Overall. Coffees scoring 80+ qualify as specialty grade. Cup of Excellence winners typically score 87-96+. Professional cupping uses 5 cups per sample, 8.25 g per 150 ml water, brew temperature 93 degrees C. The SCA protocol is the global standard for green coffee evaluation.