T

Taste - The sensation of water-soluble compounds in coffee through taste buds (nerve endings) on the tongue.

Taste receptors - Nerve endings on the tongue (taste buds) that respond to sweet, salt, sour, and bitter stimulations.

Thermal container - A container that maintains the temperature of brewed coffee without direct heat.

Tobacco - This aroma descriptor is reminiscent of the odor and taste of tobacco but should not be used for burnt tobacco.

Triglycerides - Chemical compounds that are used as a decaffeination agent.

Turbulence - The agitation of the grounds in the coffee bed during the brew cycle, created by the spray pattern, rate of water flow, and configuration of the brew basket.

V

Vienna Roast - Dark brown color with small amounts of oil roast on the bean surface; has a noticeable dark roast (burnt/smoky) and sometimes chocolate-like flavor.

Viscosity - In coffee evaluation, the resistance of internal flow in the brew because of oily material suspended in the fluid.

W

Water bypass - A mechanical device that diverts a portion of the water in a brew cycle directly into the brew holding chamber instead of allowing it to pass through the bed of chlorination Adding chlorine to water to destroy disease bearing pathogens.

Water filtration - The removal of chemical substances from water by filtration, usually through a bed of activated carbon.

Water hardness - The amount of dissolved minerals in ordinary water, ranging from 50 parts per million (ppm) to 800 ppm in most municipal water supplies.

Water quality - The degree to which water contains the desired level of mineral hardness, dissolved oxygen, and absence of any chemical contaminants.

Water softening - The substitution of sodium ions for ions of dissolved minerals (hardness) found in water.

Wet (washed) method - One of two methods of processing coffee berries. First, the cherry pulp is removed through pulpers flushed with water; next the coffee is fermented to remove the slippery mucilage coating around the parchment; last, the coffee is dried in the sun on patios or in mechanical dryers.

Wetting - The absorption of water molecules by ground coffee, which enables the extraction of soluble flavoring materials.

Winey - This terms is used to describe the combined sensation of smell, taste and mouthfeel experiences when drinking wine. It is generally perceived when a strong acidic or fruity note is found. Tasters should be cautioned not to apply this term to a sour of fermented flavor.

Woody - This aroma descriptor is reminiscent of the smell of dry wood, an oak barrel, dead wood or cardboard paper.