Barista Pathway Series Part 1 - Brewing Fundamentals and Sensory Basics

Contact us for details on how to claim your spot in the Barista Pathway series.

Part 1 of the Sip Society Barista Pathway Series

This hands-on barista training workshop is designed for anyone interested in working in coffee or improving their understanding of how brewing choices shape flavor. Built around real café expectations, this class focuses on brewing fundamentals, sensory skills, and how to talk about coffee confidently with guests.

No prior café experience required.

• How to brew coffee using manual methods while tracking key brewing variables
• The fundamentals of grind size, ratio, water temperature, brew time, & extraction
• How to taste coffee beyond personal preference
• How to describe coffee flavor, body, and balance using professional language
• How coffee moves from plant → processing → roast → cup
• How origin, species, and processing influence flavor
• How to explain coffee flavor and brewing choices to café guests

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Brew balanced coffee using a defined recipe without assistance
• Identify under-extracted, over-extracted, and balanced coffee
• Describe coffee using clear sensory language (flavor, body, acidity)
• Explain how brewing variables impact taste
• Separate personal preference from objective flavor observation
• Confidently talk about coffee flavor and origin with guests

This workshop includes a skills-based practical assessment modeled after entry-level barista expectations. Assessment details are shared after completion to encourage authentic learning and evaluation.

Participants receive a professional skills checklist outlining demonstrated competencies and areas for growth.

• Aspiring baristas with little or no café experience
• Career-changers exploring work in specialty coffee
• Coffee enthusiasts who want structured, professional training
• Anyone interested in café-relevant brewing and sensory skills

Check out our pathway here: https://sipsociety.square.site/chicago-barista-pathway

Info: Learn how grind size, ratio, water temperature, and brew time affect extraction and flavor. Participants brew coffee multiple times while tracking variables and observing how small changes impact the cup.

Info: Develop professional tasting skills through guided sensory exercises. Learn to identify acidity, body, sweetness, and flavor notes—and practice describing coffee clearly using non-judgmental, guest-friendly language.

Info: Explore coffee’s journey from plant to processing, roast, and brew. Understand how species, origin, and processing influence flavor—and learn how to communicate that story to café guests.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Sip Society