What does scoring refer to in coffee cupping?

Scoring in coffee cupping refers to an evaluation process that assesses various attributes of the coffee, such as aroma, flavor, acidity, body, and overall balance. This structured evaluation allows cuppers to assign numerical scores to coffees, providing a standardized means of comparing and communicating quality among different coffees. Scoring helps facilitate discussions around flavor profiles and helps buyers, roasters, and producers understand the characteristics and potential of a specific batch of coffee.

The other options do not align with the definition of scoring. For example, while brewing and roasting are important steps in the coffee production process, they do not relate to the evaluative aspect that scoring encompasses. Scoring is specifically focused on the assessment of characteristics rather than the methods of preparation or service.