17 Comments
User's avatar
Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Your class sounds really fun, Bernardette! And I hope you all get to sit down at the end with a nice hot cup of java!!

Bernardette Hernández's avatar

We absolutely did! It was mind blowing how many variables affect coffee flavor!

Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

You are learning them all, Bernardette!

Robin Daumit's avatar

How fun, to be taking a roasting class in something we love to drink yet often don't think about what goes into a coffee we love vs one we never buy again. Ahhh the scent!

Bernardette Hernández's avatar

The scent was glorious Robin! I could wake up to that every single day!

Robin Daumit's avatar

I'd be right there with you!

Rex Gerhardt's avatar

After reading this, what most fascinates me, is that a Starbucks Pike Place always has that same taste day after day. A McDonald's coffee always tastes the same. My Lavazza espresso always the same. Yet each different from the other. Getting that consistency day after day and year after year. Very impressive. Which do I like best? Totally depends... A light roast coursely ground and brewed in the fridge over night is as remarkable and fascinating as a dark roast finely ground and brewed in sn espresso, all foamy and rich. I love coffee and I love reading your blog. Keep them coming.

Bernardette Hernández's avatar

Thank you so much Rex! It really speaks to the level of control these companies have over their final product in sourcing, roasting, and cupping. It’s mind boggling how much goes into the exactness of the final product and how they manage to achieve it!

Kerry Faber's avatar

Ooh, I love that you're taking coffee roasting classes...sounds super interesting and cool!!

Bernardette Hernández's avatar

Thank you Kerry! I’ve learned so much and I’ve barely begun! I can’t wait to explore more.

Aki moroto's avatar

Wow! Envious that you’re taking classes for coffee! Yes, from the harvest, processing, and the right level of roasting that best suits the beans. This sounds like an incredible experience. I cannot wait to read more about your own roasting journey as well! Thank you for sharing, Bernardette-!

Bernardette Hernández's avatar

Thanks for reading Aki! I can’t wait to share more as I progress through the program! It truly is incredible how much goes into the final flavor of the bean.

Aki moroto's avatar

Right on! Truly gives more respect to every artisan that has grown/harvest/processed/roasted/brewed/served! What an incredible journey the cherry went through to become coffee!

Peter G. Madsen's avatar

The man I buy my coffees from also makes a special batch once a month. Before he roasts the beans, he puts them in an airtight container in which he sets a glass of whiskey. After 2 days they are infused with the aromatics and ready for roasting.

The coffee has no hint of whiskey. I have no words to describe it, but smooth comes closest.

jess's avatar

You are so cool!!!! I'd staying tuned and can practically smell the beans a-go from here. Gosh. Obviously, I'm partial to Robusta these days in Vietnam : )

That said, I would love to read more about the ancient?? regional?? histories of how coffee roasting came to be, if you have anything written/researched to send my way. Africa? South and Central America? intriguing!!!

Branches to Roots's avatar

This is so interesting! I am a coffee nut, but I don’t really know much about my favorite beverage. I am excited to learn from you. The only thing I know for sure, is that when I return to the United States from Italy, I miss their flavor.

Giovanna Solimando's avatar

I want to go to coffee roasting school too!! Love it