Overview
Do you want to improve your ability to taste and describe coffee like a pro? The SCA Sensory Skills Intermediate course is designed to help you sharpen your palate, recognize flavors with confidence, and better understand what makes coffee unique. In this course, you’ll dive deeper into how we perceive taste and aroma, learning how to assess coffee quality using structured evaluation techniques. You’ll also practice sensory discrimination tests like triangulation, helping you identify subtle differences between coffees. Along the way, you’ll use tools like the SCA Flavor Wheel and cupping protocols to develop a more refined and consistent approach to tasting.
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
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Day 1: Understanding Sensory Perception & Coffee Evaluation
Topics covered:
- The Science of Taste & Aroma – Exploring how our senses detect and interpret flavors in coffee.
- The Role of Sensory Analysis in Coffee – Understanding why structured evaluation matters in quality control and brewing.
- Using the SCA Flavor Wheel & Sensory Lexicon – Learning industry-standard tools to describe coffee flavors.
- Basic Tastes & Mouthfeel in Coffee – Identifying acidity, bitterness, sweetness, and body in different brews.
- Setting Up a Cupping Session – Following protocols to taste and assess coffee consistently.
- Evaluating Coffee Attributes – Developing skills to recognize balance, complexity, and defects.
Day 2: Sensory Testing, Calibration & Practical Applications
Topics covered:
- Triangulation Testing – Differentiating coffees through sensory discrimination exercises.
- Understanding Bias in Sensory Analysis – Learning how perception can be influenced and how to reduce bias.
- Advanced Cupping Techniques – Refining sensory skills through structured tasting and analysis.
- The Impact of Processing & Roasting on Flavor – Recognizing how production methods shape coffee characteristics.
- Calibrating Your Palate – Tasting in groups to align sensory perceptions with industry standards.
- Applying Sensory Skills in Coffee Careers – Exploring how sensory training benefits baristas, roasters, and buyers.
- Practical & Written Exams - Successfully complete the practical exam and online written exams to finish off the course and receive certification.
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
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.
FAQs
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for:
- Coffee professionals with basic sensory training who want to refine their ability to assess coffee quality.
- Baristas and café staff looking to improve their tasting skills and better understand flavor perception.
- Roasters and coffee buyers who need to develop a structured approach to evaluating coffee attributes.
- Competitors and judges preparing for coffee competitions and refining sensory calibration skills.
Am I guaranteed certification for this course?
No, certification for this course requires passing both a practical exam and an online written exam covering the course material. But don’t worry—we thoroughly prepare you, and our students consistently achieve high pass rates.
How long is the course?
The course is 16 hours including breaks set over two days. During this time, you'll receive both theory and practical hands-on training.
Does this course have an exam?
Yes, to receive certification for Sensory Skills Intermediate, you must pass both a practical exam and an online written exam. The practical exam assesses your ability to identify and describe coffee flavors, evaluate sensory attributes, and perform sensory discrimination tests like triangulation. The written exam tests your understanding of key concepts in sensory perception, cupping protocols, and coffee flavor analysis as covered in the 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 a Barista Skills Intermediate certificate from the Specialty Coffee Association, 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?
It is recommended to have Sensory Skills Foundation certificate. This is not required if students have sensory analysis experience that is equivalent.
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 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.