Hey Guys, welcome back
Today we’re going to talk about something that I feel is very important in the beautiful world of speciality coffee, something that can really help you increase your senses to a whole new level – and that is – Ceramic Design! Coffee cups, of all different shapes and sizes, can really change the way we perceive the taste of coffee in our mouth; it can change our perspective and, most importantly, the way we enjoy that coffee.
So let’s get started.
In the world of speciality coffee, where vigorous attention to detail on coffee origin, roast profiling, brew method, processing and grind size is paid, one thing that is often undervalued is the cup we drink our coffee from. It’s a sensory tool, something that helps us read and understand the story the coffee grower and roaster was trying to tell. And as ceramic design continues to evolve, it’s really becoming clear that it is a huge factor in the way we perceive coffee.
At Caretta Coffee, we believe that every part of the coffee journey should be intentional—and that includes the cup in your hand.
Ceramic Design Really Matters
Coffee ceramics have long been a favoured pick for the vessel we drink our coffee from due to their heat retention, their ability to be shaped with creativity and purpose. But let’s face it, even if a coffee cup looks nice, we want a pleasant texture in our mouth when drinking, not a gritty clay feel or a rough feeling as we consume our coffee.
The curve of the spout or lip, the weight of the cup in your hand, the angle at which the cup tilts and sits on your mouth – these design factors capture how liquid flows and even how flavour is perceived and evaluated. Recently, designers have been revisiting these key fundamentals with a sensory forward approach, blending ergonomics, craftsmanship in order to push and elevate the speciality coffee experience.
So let’s explore how modern ceramic design is shaping a new era of mindful drinking.
Science of Sipping
A cup’s design, shape and colour can influence sweetness, acidity and aroma. This insight isn’t just theoretical, it’s directly rooted in our experience of speciality coffee.
Shape
Cup shape determines how the coffee we’re drinking hits our tongue and how the beautiful aroma is channelled. A wider rim on the cup may allow for more oxygen interaction and aroma diffusion, enhancing complexity. And a narrower opening, like in a wine glass, can help concentrate aromas and heighten olfactory perception
The Flow of the Rim
The rim’s thickness and curve influence the flow of liquid, subtly affecting the drinking experience. A thinner lip can deliver coffee more cleanly onto the palate, while a thicker lip might slow the flow and introduce a more casual, comfort-focused feel.
The flow of the rim and the rim’s thickness and curve influence the flow of liquid, which mellowly affects the drinking experience of the coffee. A narrower lip can deliver coffee more cleanly onto our palate, while a thicker lip may slow the flow for a more comfort-focused feel.
Two Ceramic Designs Shaping the Industry
Bouba by Niwares
The Bouba cup by NI Wares, designed in Australia by Hany Ezzat, a 5-time Australia Brewers Cup finalist, is the perfect blend of a masterclass in tactile design and straight-to-the-point design philosophy. It’s inspired by the Bouba Kiki effect which is a phenomenom where humans associate rounded shapes with softness, and this cup instantly feels calming and inviting, it fits perfect in the hand and creates a beautifully smooth coffee drinking experience.
- Functionality: Bouba’s double-wall ceramic body retains heat without burning your hands and is perfect for espresso and filter coffee pairings.
- Flavour Perception: The curved lip and inner surface gently direct the coffee toward the centre of the tongue, balancing acidity and sweetness, as well as the colour helping with sweetness perception.
Bouba invites us to slow down. It reminds us that coffee is not just tasted—it’s held, felt, and inhaled.
The 2-Way Cup
Designed for versatility and also used in the World Brewers Cup Championship, the 2-way cup creates two different drinking experiences depending on the side being drunk from. One side has a wider spout, which brings out more brightness and aroma, and the other has a narrower lip which concentrates the flavour perception of our coffee’s flavour profile.
- The Functionality: The dual spout supports different brew types or mood drinking preferences, which is perfect for in-roastery cupping sessions, helping showcase brighter and more exciting single-origin coffees.
- Stand Out Design: The 2-Way Cups’ unique design naturally draws attention and curiosity, a real conversation starter, which aligns perfectly with what speciality coffee is – a story from farm to cup.
A Magic Touch
There really is a magic moment when your hands touch a coffee vessel designed to specifically meet the needs and understandings of coffee professionals and enthusiasts alike. It invites you to discover the journey and the story of what the coffee you’re about to drink has to offer.
Great ceramic design isn’t just about the look it’s about the intentions behind the design – ones that help elevate your drinking experience to a level you can really appreciate.
Choosing Your Cups
- Espresso: Select cups that are smoother, thicker, ones that retain heat well and a shape that helps with crema formation and aroma perception. We recommend the Ni Wares Toto Cups or the OG of espresso, the canary yellow loveramic espresso cup.
- Filter: Use a wider opened cup to bring out the delicate clarity of the cup – we use the Ni Wares Bouba and the Origami Kai Sensory Flavour Cup.
- Milk-Based Drinks: Focus on cups with sufficient space for better milk integration and visuals, too, in latte art. We recommend the Origami Kai Latte Bowl or the Loveramics Egg Collection
As the world of speciality coffee evolves, the tools we use to consume the beauty of our coffee must also evolve. It’s no longer just about looks, its about how that cup feels in your hand and how the coffee trickles into your mouth, enhancing your sensory experience and what helps us connect better to the coffee’s story.
At Caretta Coffee, we celebrate every element of the coffee journey—from cherry to cup. Next time you sip, consider the design and creation of the cup in your hand. It might just be enhancing your experience more than you think.
If you’re interested in the beauty of filter coffee and would like to up your filter game, we would love you to check out our other blog posts – here is one about the importance of flow rate when brewing filter coffee and another on the pure basics of filter coffee for beginners.
Thank you for reading, we really hope you’ve enjoyed this one and have learnt something valuable. That’s all we want, to help you grow and learn as a coffee enthusiast and professional.
Until next time, we will catch you on the next one.
