Overheard a guy at the shop say his pour over was 'too clean'

I was waiting in line at this place in Austin last week and the guy in front of me was talking to the barista. He said, and I quote, 'This is a good cup, but it's just too clean. I want to taste the dirt.' I mean, idk, maybe it's just me but I had to stop and think about that for a second. I've heard people talk about wanting fruity notes or chocolate notes, but I've never heard someone specifically ask for a taste of dirt. It made me realize how far down the rabbit hole some of us can go, looking for super specific and maybe even weird flavors in our coffee. I spent the rest of the day sipping my own brew and trying to figure out if it was 'clean' or not. Has anyone else ever gotten a coffee that tasted like, well, earth on purpose?

2 comments

2 Comments

shanel131mo ago

Yeah, I get that. Some natural process coffees can have a real earthy, almost funky taste to them. I had a Sumatran once that was exactly like that, like wet soil after rain. It's not for everyone, but some people really chase that specific feel.

sarah1981mo ago

Remember when my friend, like shanel13 said, got a cup that tasted like potting soil?