Coffee Expert: From Plant to Cup October 24, 2009

Coffee may be one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, but as any connoisseur knows, a well-made cup is not easy to come by. In 1999, illycaffè established the Università del Caffè, a unique training program designed to cultivate a new class of coffee “sommeliers,” at their headquarters in Italy. The International Culinary Center now brings the same expert education to an American audience.
In this two-day intensive, created for devoted coffee lovers and industry professionals, students will dissect every detail that goes into crafting a superior brew. Class begins with a fascinating botanical and historical overview of the bean, touching on coffee’s cultural significance through the ages, before embarking on an in-depth study of coffee in two of its elemental forms, espresso and cappuccino. Interactive tastings and discussion will help you build your palate, allowing you to develop a true “nose” for coffee and to fully appreciate the complex flavor notes of a perfectly made cup. Hands-on training using state-of-the-art machines, including a practical on latte art, rounds out the experience, underscoring the critical importance of proper equipment and barista technique. You’ll emerge from this two-day class ready to put your newfound knowledge into immediate practice, whether your ambition is to make fine coffee in your café or at home.