COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus, Ohio Coffee Roaster Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea kicks off 2019 with a series of classes designed to teach central Ohio coffee lovers to appreciate the finer points of coffee. All classes take place at the Crimson Cup Innovation Lab, 700 Alum Creek, just south of Bexley.
“Coffee education is a big part of our mission here at Crimson Cup,” said Founder and President Greg Ubert. “We’re proud to offer local coffee lovers the chance to learn in the same space we developed to train baristas and other coffee professionals from throughout the country.”
The only SCA Premier Training Campus in Ohio, the Crimson Cup Innovation Lab is a space for both consumers and coffee professionals to learn about what goes into a great cup of coffee – from origins of the beans to roast level, grind, brewing techniques, drink preparation and more.
“Our consumer classes are perfect for those who want to become coffee connoisseurs, roast their own coffee, or even just to order their favorite cup with confidence at any coffee shop,” Ubert said. “Today, coffees are becoming like fine wines, with infinite varieties that come from specific regions of the world. Country of origin, growing conditions, processing, roasting and brewing methods all affect flavor and enjoyment.”
The winter and spring class schedule is outlined below. Classes will repeat later in 2019 based on demand.
Roasting Fundamentals
Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Designed for home roasters and craft beverage enthusiasts, this class allows students to examine green coffee and dive into some of the basics of the coffee roasting process. Participants will roast their own coffee on both a sample roaster and a production roaster. Basic organic chemistry will be discussed to describe the roasting curve. Each participant will leave with a bag of coffee they have roasted. The class costs $75, and registration is limited to five students. Register online for Roasting Fundamentals.
Espresso at Home
Saturday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Learn about requirements for brewing great-tasting espresso at home, including different espresso machines, water, coffee grinders and other tools. The course covers how espresso machine work, troubleshooting and tips to make the best coffee day after day. Students will explore espresso theory and tasting for extraction in a small-group setting. Cost for the four-hour class is $75. Each student will leave with a Crimson Cup Mug and free drink card to redeem at Crimson Cup Coffee Houses. Registration is limited to eight. Register online for Espresso at Home.
Coffee Brewing Basics
Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
This course explores the science behind coffee via demonstrations of Chemex, Hario v60 and French Press brewing methods. Students will learn how to prepare a perfect hand-pour coffee – including proper brewing temperatures, coffee grind, coffee-to-water ratios and pouring techniques. Each student will leave with a Crimson Cup Mug and free drink card to redeem at Crimson Cup Coffee Houses. Cost for the two-hour course is $50. Registration is limited to eight. Register online for Coffee Brewing Basics.
Coffee Education: Seed to Sip
Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This course will introduce participants to the history, cultivation and trade of the world’s number-one cash crop, beginning with the legend of Kaldi and his dancing goats. Presenters will share stories gleaned from travel to coffee-growing countries in Central and South America, Africa and Asia. Participants will taste award-winning Crimson Cup coffees. Cost is $25, and registration is limited to 12. Participants will receive a Crimson Cup Mug and free drink card to redeem at Crimson Cup Coffee Houses. Register online for Coffee Education: Seed to Sip.
