As part of our commitment to the specialty coffee community, we regularly contribute our time and resources to benefit members of the Specialty Coffee Association of America; one such event has just been announced by the SCAA that we would like to share with you. A 3-day skill-building workshop will be held at the SCAA Headquarters in Long Beach, California this November 10-12th offering hands-on instruction on the basics of espresso preparation, coffee brewing and coffee roasting. (all described in greater detail below)
If you are considering starting a coffee shop or are otherwise looking to improve your barista and roasting skills under the volunteer guidance of industry experts, we suggest that you may consider attending this outstanding series. Both SCAA members and non-members are welcome to attend, though classes are discounted for members. Member fees range from $125 for one session up to $500 for all three days, so this is an outstanding opportunity to receive 3 days of world-class training at a very reasonable price; all proceeds go directly to the SCAA.
If you are interested to attend, you may download the registration form here. We suggest that you make your reservations early as class size is small to allow for as much hands-on time as possible with each instructor.
SCAA Skill Building Event, November 10-12, 2005
Specialty Coffee Association of America Headquarters
330 Golden Shore, STE 50, Long Beach, CA
You may choose from any or all of the following:
Beginning Espresso - Thursday, November 10, 9:00a - 12:00p
Prerequisites: None
Learn what makes great espresso, how espresso machines and grinders work and the core competencies needed by any barista to perform their duties.
Intermediate Espresso - Thursday, November 10, 1:00p - 4:00p
Prerequisites: Beginning Espresso or previously completed SCAA Espresso Lab
This workshop is designed to advance the espresso knowledge of operators, owners and baristas. Topics include: espresso flavor profiles, problem solving for espresso extraction, chemistry of milk, alternative steaming techniques and equipment preventative maintenance.
Brewing Fundamentals - Friday, November 11, 9:00a - 12:00p
Prerequisites: None
Attendees will learn the six essential elements of brewing, SCAA recommended parameters for coffee to water ratio, temperature, contact and holding times and their underlying scientific rationale.
Golden Cup Certification - Friday, November 11, 1:00p - 4:00p
Prerequisites: Brewing Fundamentals or previous SCAA Brewing Lab, purchase of SCAA Brew Masters' Analysis Kit - available through the SCAA Resource Center
The Golden Cup Award is a certification program offered by the SCAA that recognizes food service operators that meet strict brewing standards that lead to the excellence of their brewed coffee. Learn how to use tools of the business, such as a TDS meter and hydrometer, to correctly to evaluate your brewed coffee to Golden Cup standards.
Roasting Workshop - Saturday, November 12, 9:00a - 12:00p
Prerequisites: None
This hands-on roasting workshop will use a gas-fired roaster to demonstrate the differences surrounding flavor and bulk density that result from time-related roast variables. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to analyze bulk density and roast levels; cup & discuss samples roasted during this session, to fully experience these coffees’ sensory differences.
Comparative Cupping - Saturday, November 12, 1:00p - 4:00p
Prerequisites: None
Participants will taste, recognize and identify characteristics and differences of 7 contrasting coffees, using SCAA cupping criteria. Learn palate calibration techniques and participate in triangulation taste exercises. Students will leave this class with the basic coffee tasting skills and the understanding of the methodology necessary to enhance that skill set.
For additional details, location address, costs or to register, please download the registration form here or contact the SCAA at 562-624-4100. We hope to see you there!