A Question of Taste

My research into the question of whether the taste of coffee is affected by the cup containing it has not led to any definitive answers. The general consensus seems to be that selecting the cup is a matter of individual choice, expediency and setting. One web site advised that for best results the cup should be warmed before-hand, presumably to avoid premature cooling, so a cup made from a material that retains the most heat would presumably be best.

There are of course a number of web sites that advertise cups specifically designed for espresso, which being a more concentrated form of coffee is usually consumed in smaller quantities. (An espresso cup is sometimes referred to as a demitasse). But in general there appears to be no clear evidence supporting the idea that coffee is affected by the cup one uses to drink it.

My personal view is that the taste of coffee (or anything else one is drinking) can be affected by the kind of vessel containing it. I'm not sure exactly why this is so or whether it is even something that can be demonstrated scientifically. There are however many factors that enter into the taste experience, not all of which have ever been assessed by scientists. Some of these factors could very well be subjective in nature, but that doesn't mean that they are not real or that they shouldn't be taken seriously.