lilac in Coffee - Which Coffees Taste Like It \| Unpacking Coffee [Skip to content](#main-content) [ ![Unpacking Coffee Logo](/images/cuppin-logo.svg) Unpacking Coffee ](https://unpacking.coffee) [ Coffees ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees) [ Roasters ](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters) [ Cuppings ](https://unpacking.coffee/cuppings) [ Recipes ](https://unpacking.coffee/recipes) [ Origins ](https://unpacking.coffee/origins) [ Log in ](https://unpacking.coffee/login) [ ](https://unpacking.coffee/login "Log in") [ Register ](https://unpacking.coffee/register) [ ](https://unpacking.coffee/register "Register") [ Flavors ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors) lilac lilac ===== Lilac is a delicate, floral-forward flavor often found in lightly roasted, high-elevation Arabica coffee beans, particularly those from East African origins like Ethiopia and Kenya. It presents as a gentle, sweet, and slightly perfumed taste, reminiscent of the actual lilac flower. On Unpacking Coffee, **lilac** has been tasted in **5 cuppings** across **3 coffees** from **1 roaster** . Those coffees most often come from **Ethiopia** . They are usually **washed** — 3 of the 3 with a recorded process. Tasters also noted **peach** , **pomegranate** , **almond** and **apricot** in the same cuppings. 5 cuppings logged 3 coffees tracked 1 roaster offering 2 growing origins Based on 5 cuppings logged here, most recently June 1, 2026. Cuppings Coffees that taste of lilac ### [ Ethiopia Danche ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/81-ethiopia-danche) by [Heart Coffee Roasters](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/47-heart-coffee-roasters) Process Washed Varieties [Wolisho](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/87-wolisho), [Dega](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/88-dega) Country [Ethiopia](https://unpacking.coffee/origins/ethiopia) Region Gedeb Elevation 1950-2200m First noted Nov 08, 2025 Last tasted Nov 08, 2025 3 cuppings [ peach](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/3 "peach") [ lilac](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/143 "lilac") [ jasmine](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/55 "jasmine") [ white peach](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/147 "white peach") [ cotton candy](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/101 "cotton candy") ### [ Honduras Jobneel Caceres ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/78-honduras-jobneel-caceres) by [Heart Coffee Roasters](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/47-heart-coffee-roasters) Process Washed Varieties [Pacas](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/28-pacas) Country [Honduras](https://unpacking.coffee/origins/honduras) Region Santa Barbara Elevation 1550m First noted Oct 30, 2025 Last tasted Nov 26, 2025 4 cuppings [ pomegranate](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/139 "pomegranate") [ lilac](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/143 "lilac") [ fig jam](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/144 "fig jam") [ orange peel](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/132 "orange peel") [ almond](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/37 "almond") ### [ Ethiopia Habtamu Fikadu ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/159-ethiopia-habtamu-fikadu) by [Heart Coffee Roasters](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/47-heart-coffee-roasters) Process Washed Varieties [Wolisho](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/87-wolisho), [Kurume](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/95-kurume), [Dega](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/88-dega) Country [Ethiopia](https://unpacking.coffee/origins/ethiopia) Region Yirgacheffe Elevation 2000m First noted Jun 01, 2026 Last tasted Oct 02, 2026 2 cuppings [ honeydew](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/221 "honeydew") [ apricot](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/4 "apricot") [ lilac](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/143 "lilac") [ floral](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/105 "floral") [ plum](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/10 "plum") Tasted alongside [ peach×2](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/3 "peach") [ pomegranate×2](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/139 "pomegranate") [ almond×1](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/37 "almond") [ apricot×1](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/4 "apricot") [ cotton candy×1](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/101 "cotton candy") [ fig jam×1](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/144 "fig jam") [ honeydew×1](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/221 "honeydew") [ jasmine×1](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/55 "jasmine") [ orange×1](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/17 "orange") [ orange peel×1](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/132 "orange peel") [ white peach×1](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/147 "white peach") Where these coffees grow [ Ethiopia 2 ](https://unpacking.coffee/origins/ethiopia) [ Honduras 1 ](https://unpacking.coffee/origins/honduras) How they're processed 3 of the 3 coffees record a process. Washed 3 Roasters whose coffees hit this note [ HC Heart Coffee Roasters 3 ](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/47-heart-coffee-roasters) Questions about lilac in coffee ### What does lilac taste like in coffee? Lilac is a delicate, floral-forward flavor often found in lightly roasted, high-elevation Arabica coffee beans, particularly those from East African origins like Ethiopia and Kenya. It presents as a gentle, sweet, and slightly perfumed taste, reminiscent of the actual lilac flower. On Unpacking Coffee, lilac has been tasted in 5 cuppings across 3 coffees from 1 roaster. Those coffees most often come from Ethiopia. They are usually washed — 3 of the 3 with a recorded process. Tasters also noted peach, pomegranate, almond and apricot in the same cuppings. ### Which coffees taste like lilac? 3 coffees have been tasted as lilac, including Ethiopia Danche by Heart Coffee Roasters, Honduras Jobneel Caceres by Heart Coffee Roasters and Ethiopia Habtamu Fikadu by Heart Coffee Roasters. ### Where do coffees that taste of lilac come from? Those coffees most often come from Ethiopia. ### What flavors pair with lilac? Tasters also noted peach, pomegranate, almond and apricot in the same cuppings. Recent cuppings with lilac tasted ### [ Ethiopia Habtamu Fikadu ](https://unpacking.coffee/cuppings/239-ethiopia-habtamu-fikadu-by-rbrigleb) Cupped By [@rbrigleb](https://unpacking.coffee/users/rbrigleb) Cupped On Jun 01, 2026 Since Roast 7 days Roaster [Heart Coffee Roasters](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/47-heart-coffee-roasters) Brew Method [ Chemex ](https://unpacking.coffee/recipes?brewing_method=14) ![Raymond Brigleb](https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/225614451dc9aee33be11e0f6876c18b?s=120&d=identicon) [ honeydew](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/221 "A soft, muted sage green that evokes the pale, cool flesh of a ripe honeydew melon — delicate, fresh, and subtly sweet.") [ apricot](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/4 "Apricot is a bright, sweet, and fruity flavor that can be a delightful addition to specialty coffee. It often evokes the warm, sun-kissed hues of the apricot fruit and can add a subtle, yet distinctive, layer of complexity to the coffee's aroma and taste.") [ lilac](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/143 "The hex code #C8A2C8 represents a soft, muted purple color that closely resembles the natural hue of the lilac flower, capturing the essence of this delicate and aromatic coffee flavor.") ### [ Ethiopia Danche ](https://unpacking.coffee/cuppings/134-ethiopia-danche-by-rbrigleb-1) Cupped By [@rbrigleb](https://unpacking.coffee/users/rbrigleb) Cupped On Nov 08, 2025 Since Roast 5 days Roaster [Heart Coffee Roasters](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/47-heart-coffee-roasters) Brew Method [ Hario Woodneck ](https://unpacking.coffee/recipes?brewing_method=18) ![Raymond Brigleb](https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/225614451dc9aee33be11e0f6876c18b?s=120&d=identicon) [ orange](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/17 "The orange flavor in coffee can evoke a vibrant, citrusy note that adds a refreshing and zesty dimension to the overall tasting experience. This flavor can be found in certain coffee origins, such as some Kenyan or Ethiopian coffee beans, where the high-altitude cultivation and processing methods bring out these distinct orange-like nuances.") [ peach](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/3 "Peach-flavored coffee would likely have a bright, fruity aroma and a light, delicate sweetness, with hints of ripe, juicy peach and a subtle acidity that complements the natural coffee flavors.") [ lilac](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/143 "The hex code #C8A2C8 represents a soft, muted purple color that closely resembles the natural hue of the lilac flower, capturing the essence of this delicate and aromatic coffee flavor.") [ jasmine](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/55 "The pale yellow-green hue of #F0E68C represents the soft, gentle, and natural floral qualities of the jasmine flavor.") ### [ Ethiopia Danche ](https://unpacking.coffee/cuppings/133-ethiopia-danche-by-rbrigleb) Cupped By [@rbrigleb](https://unpacking.coffee/users/rbrigleb) Cupped On Nov 08, 2025 Since Roast 5 days Roaster [Heart Coffee Roasters](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/47-heart-coffee-roasters) Brew Method [ Chemex ](https://unpacking.coffee/recipes?brewing_method=14) ![Raymond Brigleb](https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/225614451dc9aee33be11e0f6876c18b?s=120&d=identicon) Bright, outstanding. [ lilac](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/143 "The hex code #C8A2C8 represents a soft, muted purple color that closely resembles the natural hue of the lilac flower, capturing the essence of this delicate and aromatic coffee flavor.") [ white peach](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/147 "The warm, peachy tone of the #FFDBAC color represents the soft, delicate nature of the white peach flavor, capturing the essence of its subtle sweetness and juicy character.") [ cotton candy](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/101 "The cotton candy flavor evokes a sweet, fluffy, and light-bodied coffee that may have a delicate, airy texture and a delightful, whimsical character.") [ peach](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/3 "Peach-flavored coffee would likely have a bright, fruity aroma and a light, delicate sweetness, with hints of ripe, juicy peach and a subtle acidity that complements the natural coffee flavors.") ### [ Honduras Jobneel Caceres ](https://unpacking.coffee/cuppings/128-honduras-jobneel-caceres-by-rbrigleb-1) Cupped By [@rbrigleb](https://unpacking.coffee/users/rbrigleb) Cupped On Oct 31, 2025 Since Roast 4 days Roaster [Heart Coffee Roasters](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/47-heart-coffee-roasters) Brew Method [ Chemex ](https://unpacking.coffee/recipes?brewing_method=14) ![Raymond Brigleb](https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/225614451dc9aee33be11e0f6876c18b?s=120&d=identicon) An incredibly smooth, drinkable coffee with subtle fruit notes and a lively but not overwhelming acidity. [ pomegranate](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/139 "The deep red-pink hue of #CC3333 closely resembles the vibrant color of pomegranate fruits, making it an appropriate visual representation of this flavor.") [ orange peel](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/132 "The hex code #FFA500 represents the vibrant, golden-orange hue of an orange peel, which visually captures the bright, citrusy nature of this coffee flavor.") [ lilac](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/143 "The hex code #C8A2C8 represents a soft, muted purple color that closely resembles the natural hue of the lilac flower, capturing the essence of this delicate and aromatic coffee flavor.") ### [ Honduras Jobneel Caceres ](https://unpacking.coffee/cuppings/127-honduras-jobneel-caceres-by-rbrigleb) Cupped By [@rbrigleb](https://unpacking.coffee/users/rbrigleb) Cupped On Oct 30, 2025 Since Roast 3 days Roaster [Heart Coffee Roasters](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/47-heart-coffee-roasters) Brew Method [ Chemex ](https://unpacking.coffee/recipes?brewing_method=14) ![Raymond Brigleb](https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/225614451dc9aee33be11e0f6876c18b?s=120&d=identicon) [ pomegranate](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/139 "The deep red-pink hue of #CC3333 closely resembles the vibrant color of pomegranate fruits, making it an appropriate visual representation of this flavor.") [ lilac](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/143 "The hex code #C8A2C8 represents a soft, muted purple color that closely resembles the natural hue of the lilac flower, capturing the essence of this delicate and aromatic coffee flavor.") [ fig jam](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/144 "The rich, earthy brown color of #7B3F00 represents the deep, concentrated sweetness and viscous texture of fig jam, which is an apt descriptor for this flavor profile in specialty coffee.") [ almond](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/37 "Almond-flavored coffee has a warm, nutty aroma and a smooth, creamy texture that evokes the rich, buttery notes of freshly roasted almonds. The color reflects the toasted hue of the almonds, complementing the depth of flavor in this specialty coffee.") Explore other flavors [ honey ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/22) [ cherry ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/5) [ milk chocolate ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/33) [ black tea ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/65) [ caramel ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/23) [ dark chocolate ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/34) [ peach ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/3) [ butterscotch ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/32) Use filters or recent searches to refine your results. Press Esc to close. Filters 12 showing Users 0 Coffees 0 Roasters 0 Recipes 0 Explore featured coffees Start typing to search across the entire database. [ ### [ Reko Ethiopia ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/212-reko-ethiopia) by [Ruby Coffee Roasters](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/184-ruby-coffee-roasters) Process Washed Varieties [Kurume](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/95-kurume), [Ethiopian Heirlooms](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/38-ethiopian-heirlooms) Country [Ethiopia](https://unpacking.coffee/origins/ethiopia) Region Kochere Elevation 1850-2100m Source Reko Washing Station First noted Nov 10, 2026 Last tasted Nov 10, 2026 1 cupping [ lemon meringue](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/268 "lemon meringue") [ lavender](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/57 "lavender") [ apricot](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/4 "apricot") [ honey](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/22 "honey") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/212-reko-ethiopia) [ ### [ Organic Ethiopia ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/211-organic-ethiopia) by [Portland Coffee Roasters](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/309-portland-coffee-roasters) Certifications Organic Country [Ethiopia](https://unpacking.coffee/origins/ethiopia) First noted Nov 02, 2026 Last tasted Nov 02, 2026 1 cupping [ floral](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/105 "floral") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/211-organic-ethiopia) [ ### [ Crossfade ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/209-crossfade) by [Broadcast Coffee Roasters](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/308-broadcast-coffee-roasters) Process Washed Varieties [Caturra](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/12-caturra), [Typica](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/34-typica), [Ruiru 11](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/29-ruiru-11), [SL28](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/30-sl28), [SL34](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/31-sl34) Country [Kenya](https://unpacking.coffee/origins/kenya) Region Kirinyaga Elevation 1400-2000m First noted Oct 31, 2026 0 cuppings ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/209-crossfade) [ ### [ Kenya Swara ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/210-kenya-swara) by [Broadcast Coffee Roasters](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/308-broadcast-coffee-roasters) Process Washed Varieties [SL28](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/30-sl28), [SL34](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/31-sl34), [Batian](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/7-batian), [Ruiru 11](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/29-ruiru-11) Country [Kenya](https://unpacking.coffee/origins/kenya) Region Kirinyaga Elevation 1600-1800m First noted Oct 31, 2026 Last tasted Nov 11, 2026 1 cupping [ berries](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/199 "berries") [ milk chocolate](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/33 "milk chocolate") [ jammy](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/169 "jammy") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/210-kenya-swara) [ ### [ Volcán Azul Washed SL28 ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/208-volcan-azul-washed-sl28) by [April Coffee Roasters](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/10-april-coffee-roasters) Process Washed Varieties [SL28](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/30-sl28) Country [Costa Rica](https://unpacking.coffee/origins/costa-rica) Source Volcán Azul First noted Oct 31, 2026 Last tasted Oct 31, 2026 1 cupping [ red cherries](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/266 "red cherries") [ nougat](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/31 "nougat") [ florals](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/267 "florals") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/208-volcan-azul-washed-sl28) [ ### [ Gotiti, Ethiopia ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/207-gotiti-ethiopia) by [Ritual Coffee Roasters](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/180-ritual-coffee-roasters) Process Washed Varieties [Heirloom](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/84-heirloom) Country [Ethiopia](https://unpacking.coffee/origins/ethiopia) Region Yirgacheffe Source Gotiti washing station First noted Oct 23, 2026 Last tasted Oct 23, 2026 1 cupping [ melon](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/180 "melon") [ lime](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/19 "lime") [ black tea](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/65 "black tea") [ meyer lemon](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/103 "meyer lemon") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/207-gotiti-ethiopia) [ ### [ Arturo Paz, Dark Room Dried: Natural Geisha, Honduras ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/206-arturo-paz-dark-room-dried-natural-geisha-honduras) by [Ritual Coffee Roasters](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/180-ritual-coffee-roasters) Process Natural Varieties [Geisha](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/16-geisha) Country [Honduras](https://unpacking.coffee/origins/honduras) Harvest June 2026 Source El Itacayo First noted Oct 20, 2026 Last tasted Oct 20, 2026 1 cupping [ elderflower syrup](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/264 "elderflower syrup") [ honey](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/22 "honey") [ stonefruit](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/102 "stonefruit") [ citrus](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/110 "citrus") [ candied tropical fruit](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/265 "candied tropical fruit") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/206-arturo-paz-dark-room-dried-natural-geisha-honduras) [ ### [ Indian coffee beans from Coorg, Karnataka, India ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/205-indian-coffee-beans-from-coorg-karnataka-india) by [Paul John Caffeine](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/307-paul-john-caffeine) Country [India](https://unpacking.coffee/origins/india) Region Karnataka Source Indian Coffee Beans From Coorg, Karnataka, India First noted Oct 14, 2026 Last tasted Oct 14, 2026 1 cupping ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/205-indian-coffee-beans-from-coorg-karnataka-india) [ ### [ Jhoan Vergara Las Flores Pink Bourbon ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/204-jhoan-vergara-las-flores-pink-bourbon) by [Kafiex Roasters](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/249-kafiex-roasters) Process Thermal Shock Washed Varieties [Pink Bourbon](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/1-pink-bourbon) Country [Colombia](https://unpacking.coffee/origins/colombia) Region Huila Source Jhoan Vergara First noted Oct 13, 2026 Last tasted Oct 13, 2026 1 cupping [ froot loops](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/262 "froot loops") [ candied lemon drop](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/263 "candied lemon drop") [ green apple](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/116 "green apple") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/204-jhoan-vergara-las-flores-pink-bourbon) [ ### [ Mama Cherri ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/203-mama-cherri) by [Creature Coffee](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/84-creature-coffee) Process Washed Varieties [Caturra](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/12-caturra), [Catuaí](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/11-catuai) Country [Costa Rica](https://unpacking.coffee/origins/costa-rica) Region Coto Brus Source Doña Isa First noted Oct 09, 2026 Last tasted Oct 09, 2026 1 cupping [ cherry pie](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/141 "cherry pie") [ caramel corn](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/261 "caramel corn") [ butterscotch](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/32 "butterscotch") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/203-mama-cherri) [ ### [ Uganda 96 Hour Natural ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/202-uganda-96-hour-natural) by [DOMA Coffee Roasting Company](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/268-doma-coffee-roasting-company) Process Natural Varieties [SL14](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/102-sl14), [SL28](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/30-sl28), [Nyasaland](https://unpacking.coffee/varieties/103-nyasaland) Country [Uganda](https://unpacking.coffee/origins/uganda) Region Mt. Elgon Elevation 1400 - 2000 maslm Harvest 2026 Source The Coffee Yards/norman Mukuru First noted Oct 05, 2026 Last tasted Oct 05, 2026 1 cupping [ cherry](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/5 "cherry") [ lime](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/19 "lime") [ fudge](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/128 "fudge") [ dark chocolate](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/34 "dark chocolate") [ lemon candy](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/251 "lemon candy") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/202-uganda-96-hour-natural) [ ### [ Mustefa Abakeno ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/201-mustefa-abakeno) by [Marigold Coffee](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/252-marigold-coffee) Country [Ethiopia](https://unpacking.coffee/origins/ethiopia) Region Oromia First noted Oct 05, 2026 Last tasted Oct 05, 2026 1 cupping [ orange peel](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/132 "orange peel") [ honeysuckle](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/62 "honeysuckle") [ cacao nibs](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/241 "cacao nibs") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/201-mustefa-abakeno)