Do you remember the last cup of coffee that blew your mind, but you can’t remember exactly what kind it was? If you’re a coffee lover, you know that every cup has its own story.
So many details shape your coffee experience, from the type of beans to the brewing method. Keeping track of all this can feel overwhelming, but with a little help from Google Sheets, you can build a personal coffee journal to capture it all.
Why Use a Coffee Journal?
A coffee journal is more than a log; it’s a way to deepen your appreciation for coffee. You’ll start to notice patterns, discover new favorites, and refine your preferences. Plus, it’s a creative outlet that makes every cup a little more special.
Step 1: Set Up Your Sheet
Start by opening Google Sheets and creating a blank spreadsheet. Name it something like “My Coffee Journal.” This will be your canvas to record every detail of your coffee adventures.
Step 2: Add Columns
Create the following column headers in the first row:
- Date
- Coffee Name
- Roaster/Brand
- Origin
- Roast Level (Light, Medium, Dark)
- Brew Method (e.g., French Press, Espresso, Pour-Over)
- Tasting Notes
- Aroma (Rating)
- Flavor (Rating)
- Aftertaste (Rating)
- Overall Rating
Step 3: Add Drop-Down Menus
To keep your entries consistent, create drop-down menus for certain columns. Select the cells under the “Roast Level” column. Click Insert > Dropdown. Under “Criteria,” choose “Dropdown” and type: Light, Medium, or Dark. Repeat for the “Brew Method” column, listing options like French Press, Espresso, Pour-Over, Drip Coffee, and AeroPress.
Step 4: Add Star Ratings
Use a 5-star system for aroma, flavor, aftertaste, and overall experience. To create the visual stars:
In a separate column (“Aroma (Stars)”), use “@rating” to translate a numeric rating (1-5) into stars:
Then, compute the average. Use the AVERAGE function to calculate the average rating for each brew method or origin.
Step 5: Create a Summary Chart
Visualize your coffee ratings with a chart. Highlight the data for “Coffee Name” and “Overall Rating.” Click Insert > Chart. Choose a bar or column chart to compare overall ratings at a glance. Customize the chart’s colors and labels for clarity.
Step 6: Make It Interactive
To take your journal to the next level:
Conditional Formatting: Highlight cells based on certain criteria. For example, make high ratings (4-5) green and low ratings (1-2) red.
Get the Free Coffee Journal Template
Get a copy of the free Coffee Journal Template. I’ve already populated some cells as examples, but you can customize them as needed.
Final Thoughts
Creating a coffee journal is more than just an organizational exercise; it’s a journey into the diverse world of flavors and aromas.
It can transform an everyday habit into a mindful hobby. With each new entry, you’re expanding your knowledge and appreciation of coffee. So take your time to savor each cup, experiment with new methods, and don’t hesitate to go back and adjust your notes and ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I use Google Sheets to calculate average ratings?
Use the AVERAGE formula. For example, if your ratings are in column G (starting from row 2 to row 100), you would use: =AVERAGE(G2:G100). This will calculate the average rating of all the coffees you have listed.
How can I automatically add the current date when I make a new entry?
Use the TODAY function in the date column: Select the cell where you want the date to appear. Type =TODAY(). This will insert the current date.
How do I filter my entries by specific criteria such as brew method or roast level?
To filter your entries, highlight the header row of your data. Click on the filter icon in the toolbar (it looks like a funnel). Click the filter icon in the header of the column you wish to filter by (e.g., brew method), and select the criteria you want to filter (e.g., “Espresso”).
