Do you need flavour wheels?

Flavour wheels, like this Flavour Wheel Keepsake by Bean To Bar World is helpful for beginners. However, some people think a flavour wheel is a necessary tool when tasting fine chocolate. As well, they stay within the frame of the flavour wheel.

Keep in mind that a flavour wheel is not perfect or all inclusive. When tasting, it is there to help offer suggestions in case you are having trouble articulating the flavours you experience. This can be very helpful for beginners who don’t analyze and think of flavour in their chocolate this deeply.

But again, these are just suggestions. Always feel free to think beyond the borders of the flavour wheel (or flavour tree). You may experience flavours or aromas not associated with chocolate or even with food.

As well, culturally we consume different foods and experience a different set of daily flavours and aromas, therefore there is no one flavour wheel that fits all.

However, they can be very useful for anyone who is struggling to articulate the flavours, but don’t feel the need to stay within what is represented.