The Three Paths Model

Ms. Bai's FCA Flavor Sensory System simplifies complex coffee evaluation into a clear, accessible framework, empowering everyone from estate owners to enthusiasts.

3

Core
Flavor
Profiles

Practical Application

Sensory judgment is a learnable skill. FCA offers offline workshops and online courses for estate owners, roasters, and newcomers to master coffee evaluation.

The Golden Path

Balanced, Complete, Low-Risk

Represents coffees with complete structure and excellent balance. A consistent, pleasant experience from aroma to aftertaste—a low-risk, high-reward choice for any market.

The Exploration Path

Intriguing, Imperfect, Niche

Signifies coffees with potential flaws but intriguing characteristics. These "controlled imperfections" can become a unique selling point for niche brands seeking novelty.

The Flavor Expert System

A framework for professionals to develop "structured expressiveness" in coffee evaluation.

Identification

Predict flavor trajectory by understanding where aromas appear.

Structure

Assess completeness, balance, and consistency to find "breakpoints".

Expression

Clearly communicate findings through charts and understandable language.

The Aroma Path

Hollow, Unstable, High-Risk

Coffees with an overpowering initial aroma but a hollow, unstable flavor profile. Recommended only for short-term promotions due to instability.

The "Aha!" Moment

"True value isn't just hitting a perfect note, but understanding *how* a coffee's character, even its imperfections, can be leveraged strategically. It's about finding the right narrative for the right bean."

Key Takeaways

Three Paths Model: A simplified framework (Golden, Exploration, Aroma) to evaluate bean potential.
Golden Path: Signifies balanced, complete profiles with broad market appeal.
Exploration Path: Highlights unique, sometimes imperfect, coffees for niche markets.
Aroma Path: Identifies coffees with strong scent but unstable flavor, posing a brand risk.
Expert System: Enhances professional evaluation via structured analysis and tools like radar charts.