Overview
The Sensory Skills Foundation course is an interactive introduction to coffee tasting and sensory evaluation. You’ll explore how our senses perceive flavor, aroma, and texture, and learn to recognize key attributes like acidity, bitterness, sweetness, and body. Through hands-on activities, you’ll develop sensory awareness and practice using industry-standard tools like the SCA Flavor Wheel and cupping protocols. You’ll also gain insight into how coffee professionals assess quality and flavor in specialty coffee. This course is perfect for baristas, roasters, green coffee buyers, or coffee enthusiasts who want to build confidence in coffee tasting and develop a structured approach to sensory analysis.
Highlights
Get Globally Recognized Certification
Get your skills certified by the most globally-known coffee skills certification from the Specialty Coffee Association.
Make New Coffee Friends
Meet other amazing coffee professionals and enthusiasts.
Learn in Small Classes with World-Class Educators
Get personalized feedback from some of the best in the industry.
Schedule
Previous
Next
Morning Session: Understanding How We Taste & Smell Coffee
Topics covered:
What is Sensory Analysis? – Learn why tasting is important in coffee and how it’s used in the industry.
How Our Senses Work – Explore how our taste buds and sense of smell help us experience coffee.
The Basics of Flavor & Aroma – Discover the five basic tastes (sweet, sour, bitter, salty, umami) and common coffee aromas.
Breaking Down Coffee’s Flavors – Learn to describe coffee’s body, acidity, and bitterness.
Speaking the Same Language – Get familiar with common coffee terms and the SCA Flavor Wheel.
Afternoon Session: Hands-On Coffee Tasting & Cupping
Topics covered:
What is Cupping? – Understand why professionals use this tasting method.
How to Set Up a Cupping – Learn the proper steps to prepare and conduct a coffee cupping.
Tasting Coffee Like a Pro – Practice identifying different flavors and aromas in real coffee samples.
Using the Right Tools – Explore the essential equipment used in cupping sessions.
Bringing It All Together – Apply what you’ve learned to evaluate coffee confidently.
Gallery
What's included
What's Included
Facilitator Fee
Facility Fee
All Required Equipment, Supplies, and Coffee
All SCA Fees
SCA Certificate (Pending Successful Exam Completion)
Lunch & Snacks
Free-Flowing Brewed Coffee Throughout The Course
Digital & Printed Resource Pack
Lifetime Access to Student Discord Group
What's Not Included
Travel to The Course
Any Required Accommodations While in Calgary
Tickets
Course Fee (No Certificate)
All-in course fees
FROM$467.19/pp
Course Fee + Certificate
All-in course fees including all SCA and certification fees.
FROM$579.31/pp
Hosts
Trent Rollings
Accredited SCA Trainer, World Coffee Championships Representative & Judge
Reviews
I took the SCA Foundation and Intermediate Barista Training with Trent, which only fueled my passion for good coffee even more. The lessons were interactive and easy to understand, with detailed and high-quality materials that prepared me well for the exams. My coffee-making skills have greatly improved as a result. Trent is extremely welcoming and has a way of making you feel like old friends. I look forward to returning for more training.
Corrine J.
Dates
May 2025
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FAQs
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for:
- Beginners with little to no sensory training who want to develop a structured approach to tasting coffee.
- Coffee enthusiasts looking to improve their ability to recognize and describe coffee flavors.
- Baristas and café staff who want to build confidence in cupping, sensory analysis, and coffee evaluation.
- Roasters and coffee buyers who need a foundation in sensory skills to assess coffee quality.
Am I guaranteed certification for this course?
No, certification for this course is only awarded after passing an online written exam based on the course content. But don’t worry—we make sure you’re fully prepared, and our students have a strong track record of success.
How long is the course?
The course is 8 hours including breaks. During this time, you'll receive both theory and practical hands-on training.
Is there an exam?
Yes, the course includes a short online written exam to assess your understanding of sensory concepts covered in this course.
What certification do I receive upon completing the course?
If you have registered for the option of receiving a certificate, upon passing the exam, you’ll earn an SCA Sensor Skills Foundation certificate, known and recognized worldwide.
Is there a payment plan available for this course?
Yes, all of our courses have payment plans when booking more than one month in advance. The final payment for the course is due one month before the course.
Do I need experience to take this course?
No prior experience is required—this course is designed for beginners.
Do I need to bring anything to the course?
Everything you need will be provided, including meals and snacks, but you may want to bring a notebook for personal notes.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We will send you a pre-course email before your course where we ask for any dietary restrictions you may have so that we can work to accommodate for them when ordering snacks and lunch.
What is the difference between courses and camps?
Courses are structured training classes focused on developing specific coffee skills, such as barista techniques, brewing, and sensory analysis. They typically don't include accommodations or additional opportunities beyond the course itself.
Camps are all-inclusive, immersive experiences that include but go beyond structured courses. They combine hands-on coffee education with community-building, outdoor activities, and unique experiences, creating a deeper connection to coffee and the people behind it.