What Does Body Mean in Coffee Tasting?

Body describes the tactile weight and texture of coffee in the mouth. It can feel light, tea-like, creamy, silky, syrupy, dense, or heavy.

Body is influenced by species, processing, roast, brew method, filtration, oils, suspended solids, and extraction.

Fine Robusta often has substantial body, which can be a strength in espresso, moka pot, immersion brewing, and milk drinks. Heavy body is not automatically better; the important question is whether the texture is pleasant and balanced with flavor and aftertaste.

Tasting takeaway: describe both intensity and quality. “Full body” is less useful than explaining whether the mouthfeel is creamy, rough, drying, syrupy, or clean.