The concept of flavour analysis developed in our laboratory during the last decade to evaluate the key odorants of foods and beverages, is demonstrated in a review on coffee flavour. The results obtained by aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA), gas chromatography/olfactometry of headspace samples and quantitation of potent odorants using corresponding stable isotopomers as internal standards are discussed. Finally, some sensory experiments performed on the basis of data assessed by instrumental analyses of roasted coffee samples are reported.