SCA Sensory Skills - Foundation (1 Day) $700
what students are saying
This course introduces you to the essentials of sensory evaluation, and prepares you for roles in:
- Green coffee buying.
- Coffee roasting.
- Quality control.
- Barista, brewing, and cup tasting championships.
During this course, you will:
- Learn how your sensory skills function, and how to apply them when evaluating coffee.
- Learn the difference between taste and flavour, and why this distinction is important in coffee evaluation.
- Taste and identify the 5 basic tastes.
- Learn and practice recognition of basic aromas and aroma groups described on the SCA Coffee Tasters Flavour Wheel.
- Learn how to define and describe body and mouthfeel in coffee.
- Learn and practice cupping set-up using the CVA cupping protocol.
- Learn and practice use of the CVA Cupping Forms and cupping vocabulary.
- Cup coffees of different species, from different regions, and of different processes.
- Receive individual feedback and advice for how to continue improving your sensory skills.
Students who successfully complete the online exam after the course will receive the internationally recognised SCA Sensory Skills Foundation Certificate. The SCA Sensory Skills Foundation Certificate earns credit towards the SCA Roastery Diploma and the SCA Coffee Trade Diploma.
Details
You will learn
- How to recognise a variety of common aromas and flavours in coffee.
- How to identify and describe basic differences in the acidity, bitterness, and body of coffees.
- How to set up and conduct cuppings using the SCA CVA protocol.
You will get
- Access to the world’s leading coffee education program.
- Detailed course notes, and personalised training in a small group.
- Participants who successfully complete the written exam will receive internationally recognised certification, and earn points towards SCA Coffee Diplomas.
Appropriate for
Cuppers, or baristas who want competence in sensory assessment of coffee.
Preparation
What to bring
- All materials are provided.
What to wear
Comfortable clothing and closed shoes.
Your Teacher
Simon James is an AST and Q Instructor with over 26 years experience in the coffee industry, and over 20 years experience as a trainer and developer of training programs for Australian companies and global organisations.
He has been an AST for Sensory Skills, Green Coffee, Brewing, and Barista Skills since 2015, and instructed use of the CVA since 2024.
His expert knowledge, attention to detail, quality of course materials, experience with different cultures, and expertise as a communicator have led to roles as lead instructor and lecturer at barista camps and coffee trade events throughout Europe and Asia.
He delivers courses with plenty of insight, using a fun, patient, and approachable style so all students enjoy and understand the course content and can apply the relevant skills.
Organized by
Genovese Coffee
222 reviewsGenovese Coffee has been in coffee for 4 generations, and we have over 60 years experience.
We offer a range of courses to suit new or experienced baristas, as well as those who want to improve their home espresso. All our courses have practical, detailed theory, as well as activities so you can apply your skills during the course.
Our courses are led by award winning, highly experienced, and internationally certified professionals who provide outstanding training using state of the art equipment. Course content is carefully designed to be engaging and easy to understand for all students from novices to experienced professionals.
For those wanting to take their coffee career to the next level, we also offer courses from SCA's internationally recognised coffee education programs, including Sensory Skills, Green Coffee, Barista Skills, Brewing, and Q Grader.
Our dedicated SCA training campus meets SCA's highest specifications for "Enhanced Compliance" training venues, and our small classes ensure you get personalised training.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 14 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$20.00 applies.
- A transfer can be requested 14 days before the class starts. Free of charge.
No changes will be allowed after these times.
Terms & Conditions
We appreciate your choice of Genovese Coffee for your coffee education, and our course pricing reflects the following:
- The quality of the training provided.
- Pre-class preparation.
- The quality of the equipment & the cost of materials used.
- Small class sizes.
- The ongoing development of our trainers.
Once your booking is confirmed, we begin the process of preparing your class. Although we understand unexpected events or illness may require that you reschedule or cancel your booking, our refund policy reflects the costs incurred in the preparation of the scheduled class.
Electronic Devices in the Classroom
Electronic devices (including mobile phones) should be switched off or silent to avoid distractions in the classroom.
However, your instructor may allow you to use a device for translation assistance where necessary.
Student Behaviour
We provide a safe and respectful environment for our students and staff.
Inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated.
Privacy
We respect your privacy. Student names and contact details collected by Genovese Coffee will not be shared with any other person or enterprise without authority.
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SCA Sensory Skills - Foundation (1 Day) $700
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