Have you attended a "coffee cupping" class? Well, that's exactly what I did this AM (April 3, 2025) at the newest location of Corvus Coffee on Logan between 15th and 16th. Corvus Coffee has been my favorite place to get coffee for years. And when I found out about this event on some website, I, without hesitation, signed up for it which cost me only $8-$9 at the most. It was such a nice way to break the boring morning routine and do something I had never done before for a change. I even took the light rail to get to the class site so I would be able to do a brisk walk in the cold air to refresh myself.
First of all, for those of you who are Coffee Cupping virgins, here is the definition of it: "Coffee cupping is a formal method used by coffee professionals to evaluate and assess the flavor and quality of coffee, involving a standardized process of tasting and scoring. It helps identify distinct characteristics, aromas, and potential defects, aiding in quality control and understanding coffee's unique qualities". To me, this was an elevated coffee tasting in a semi professional setting.
Two Corvus workers with wealth of knowledge lead the class. Alex and TJ(?) eloquently spoke about the whole process of the most proper coffee cupping by first demonstrating what to do so we wouldn't be lost (10 people signed up for the class; only 4 of them (including me) showed up hence the class was an intimate one.)
By the way, this newest (6th) location of Corvus is inside this apartment or condo plex building. It's extremely modern where the staging/decorating of it was something out of a trendy magazine. It's got that boutique hotel feel to it. Not only there are couches and tables, but a spacious bar seating is also available. Before the class started I had one of the ham and cheese croissants to fuel my body for the intense coffee cupping learning. The lady who assisted me for the pastry was above and beyond.
Let's go back to the class. It was a full one hour session where nothing was rushed. Both gents' speeches were not only eloquent but they were also meticulous. They spent time with each participant by giving us hands on education to ensure that nobody was left behind. 10 different coffee beans (ground) were used so we could use our best senses to determine flavor and taste notes by sniffing and slurping etc. They also gave us handouts/decks to help us understand the depth of the cupping. We also took notes on it.
Once the hour had passed Alex and TJ remained available for the next 15 minutes so they could answer any questions we might have. And at the end, as a token of their appreciation, they gave us attendees a card for a free coffee at any of the Corvus location for today or future. Wow, I felt like we participants owed them a huge thanks.
Corvus is not just a coffee shop that only serves and sells coffee; they are SME (subject matter expert). They care and appreciate the people who reside in the community so they are compelled to educate them for what they are passionate about. So when you are at one of the locations next time inquire about some educational classes they offer periodically. And visit the newest location on Logan (it opened just last Saturday so it's brand spanking new!) read more