Quick answer
Use the Onyx Catalog Box as a structured coffee sampling kit: brew each coffee individually, take notes on flavor and acidity, and compare them side by side to understand how origin and processing affect taste.
Why a structured approach matters
The Catalog Box includes nearly every coffee Onyx roasts, from single-origin lots to blends. Without a plan, you risk missing the subtle differences between organic acids, terroir, and cultivars that make each coffee unique. A systematic tasting method helps you appreciate those nuances and decide which coffees to reorder.
How to sample your Catalog Box
- 1. Set up your tasting station: Gather a scale, a pour-over or French press, a notebook, and a cupping spoon. Use clean, filtered water heated to 200°F (93°C). Consistent water temperature and equipment prevent variables that could mask coffee differences.
- 2. Select three coffees to compare: Pick three coffees from different origins or processing methods (e.g., a washed Ethiopian, a natural Brazilian, and a blend). This gives you a clear contrast in flavor profiles. Avoid tasting more than three at once—your palate fatigues quickly and you'll lose the ability to detect subtle notes.
- 3. Brew each coffee individually: Use the same brew ratio (e.g., 1:16 coffee to water) and grind size for all three. Brew one at a time and taste immediately. Common mistake: brewing all at once lets them cool at different rates, skewing your perception of acidity and sweetness.
- 4. Take structured tasting notes: For each coffee, note aroma, acidity, body, sweetness, and finish. Use simple descriptors like 'citrus,' 'berry,' 'chocolate,' or 'nutty.' Don't rely on memory—write notes immediately. Your first impression is often the most accurate.
- 5. Compare and rank your preferences: After tasting all three, go back and sip them again side by side. Decide which one you'd buy again and why. If two coffees taste similar, check the origin and processing notes on the box—they explain why.
Product facts
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Catalog Box: The Catalog Box features nearly the entire Onyx offering list, excluding rare releases. You get a comprehensive overview of Onyx's roast profile and can compare a wide range of origins and processing methods in one box.
Catalog Box
