What makes some types of coffee better than others? Each person might have a different idea about what makes the best cup of coffee.

According to experts, the six characteristics to look at are aroma, body, acidity, sweetness, flavor and aftertaste.

Aroma is the smell of the coffee. The specific smell is called the bouquet. Some terms to describe the bouquet might be “nutty” or “floral.”

Body is how the coffee feels on your tongue and inside your mouth. A coffee will often be described as light or heavy. Sometimes it might even be considered thick or thin.

Acidity is often noted by a numbing or tingling sensation on the tip of the tongue, as well as dryness at the back of the throat. It might be described as smooth or flat, depending on the quality of the coffee.

Sweetness is not just the amount of sugar. Sweet coffee is usually considered to be smooth, and doesn’t contain any harsh flavors. It usually has mild, pleasant flavor.

Flavor is a mixture of the other qualities. In a well-balanced coffee, no factor stands out more than the others. Some might call the flavor fruity or complex, depending on the type of coffee and the roast.

The final characteristic is the aftertaste, also known as the “finish.” The taste may last for a long time or it might fade fast. It might be dry or sweet, heavy or dry. People have different preferences regarding aftertastes.