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Expert Academy and Lahcen Bouya

Join us at the Coffee House, nestled in the vibrant coffee culture of London, for a comprehensive coffee course that takes you from bean to cup and beyond. This course is led by two acclaimed coffee connoisseurs and former UK Barista Championship judges.

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Join us at the Coffee House, nestled in the vibrant coffee culture of London, for a comprehensive coffee course that takes you from bean to cup and beyond. This course is led by two acclaimed coffee connoisseurs and former UK Barista Championship judges.

Are you eager to delve deeper into the world of coffee? To comprehend its roots, the process of roasting and grinding? To discover the secret to brewing a superior cup of coffee? Do you wish to eliminate bad coffee from your life? If so, this is the course designed specifically for you.

In this 30-lecture series, Richard Hardwick, founder of Bespoke Beverages and HALO Coffee, along with Henry Ayers, one of London's premier Barista trainers from the renowned Gentlemen Baristas, will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to become a coffee expert. The course includes a series of detailed, intimate videos filmed in the historic Coffee House.

We'll explore the journey of coffee, from its origins to the beans, and delve into the grinding process and why different grinds lead to different flavors.

The course then transitions into brewing, introducing various techniques. Richard explains the Syphon, Aeropress, Chemex, and V60 methods, and showcases the equipment necessary to master these techniques.

The adventure continues into the realm of Espresso, where you'll learn to distinguish between good and bad espresso, and perfect your skills in making Americanos, Flat Whites, Lattes, and Cappuccinos. Richard even reveals how to add a contemporary spin to your Cappuccino.

To ensure your coffee journey is smooth, Richard shares insightful tips and tricks, helping you sidestep common pitfalls.

So, what's holding you back?

Join Richard and Henry in this extensive online course and emerge as a coffee expert.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Grow your coffee knowledge, from its roots to your cup.
  • Get to know the art of roasting and grinding coffee.
  • Learn tricks to make your coffee taste better.
  • Say goodbye to bad coffee experiences.
  • Discover the story behind different coffee beans and their flavors.
  • Uncover why coffee grinds have different tastes.
  • Dive into the world of coffee brewing and the methods involved.
  • Explore various brewing techniques like the syphon, aeropress, chemex, and v60 methods.
  • Understand the tools required for each brewing technique.
  • Step into the realm of espresso and learn to distinguish between good and bad ones.
  • Perfect your skills in making americanos, flat whites, lattes, and cappuccinos.
  • Learn to add a modern touch to your cappuccino.
  • Receive handy tips and learn how to avoid common coffee-making mistakes.
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Introduction

Here Richard Hardwick founder of Bespoke Beverages and now HALO coffee gives some detail on his background including his time as judge of the UK Barista Championship. It was during his time in South America that he fell in love with coffee and became the expert he is today.

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From the Coffee House in the heart of London Coffee Culture, Richard is going to take you on a journey through coffee with this course. Learn the incredible stories about the origins of coffee, coffee’s history as a traded commodity and the variety of beans. 

With the help of Henry Ayers from the Gentlemen Baristas (UK's Coolest Baristas) he then explains how beans are ground and why different grinds taste different.

We then move on to brewing and the different techniques employed. Richard covers the Syphon method, Aeropress method, Chemex method & V60 method, and then demonstrates the equipment needed to employ them.

He then moves to the world of Espresso, showing how to spot good and bad espresso, how to make Americanos, a good Flat White, Lattes and Cappuccinos. And he even shows how to put a modern twist on the Cappuccino.  

Richard will also give you tips and tricks and helps you avoid common mistakes. 

In this lecture Richard gives you some tips on how to get the most out of the course

Richard explains how the activities work, and how he's going to work with Henry Ayers from the Gentlemen Baristas to give you challenges throughout the course

Origins

The fascinating history of coffee...

Coffee is one of the largest commodities in the world yet its origins began with a simple goat herder. 

Richard shares one of his favourite stories of how a single seedling created nearly all the coffee in South America...

It's important to understand that the coffee most of the world drinks is not the delicious type we cover on the course!

1) Research the Cup of Excellence, it is fascinating!

2) Compare your beans!

Beans

Henry and Richard discuss the difference in coffee beans and the variables you must understand. Care for your beans!

Single origin and blends, flavour profiles and which bean is for you?

Grinding

It's critical to understand the grind and making sure you get the right one for each drink you create. 

Richard & Henry cover the different grinding methods available to you and how to get the most consistent grind!

Feel the grind, touch and feel are very important. 

Brewing

So what's your favourite method? 

One of the greatest ways to make coffee is the siphon. You can create a stunning coffee with great depth of flavour in quite a dramatic fashion. Here Henry and Richard have 2 different approaches.

Very popular but are you doing it properly? Learn the tricks of the trade from Henry .

Simple, elegant and so easy to do well but with a few extra tips you can get some fantastic flavours from your coffee.

Often done badly, here you can learn just a few simple techniques that will ensure you enjoy a quality cup every time. 

Brew! Brew! Brew! Practice the tips and tricks you have learned

You are now ready to brew.

Espresso

So much to cover. Learn why espresso is so import and and how to make a great one. 

Henry shares some of his years of experience in creating the perfect espresso. What to look for and what not to do. 

Unless you know what not to do you wont appreciate a great espresso.

You have probably ordered plenty but did you know it dated back to the Second World War? Which is first? Coffee or Water?

Textured milk! Thanks to NZ and Australia.

How much foam? 1cm or more? Or Less...?

So easy to do well, so easy to do badly! Let's get the foam going. 

Twists from the Barista Judges...!

So many things to practice from this section with Richard and Henry. 

Final Tips & Tricks

Richard and Henry recap on the course with their twists and tricks to create superb coffee. We hope you enjoyed it and learnt a lot. 

To try any of our other courses at 50% off, please visit The Expert Academy and use the coupon: HALFPRICEUDEMY

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops the professional skills of making coffee, which is an integral part of barista work
Develops the personal skills of making coffee, which will enhance the experience of all who partake
Introduces the history of coffee, which can add color to the other topics and subjects related to coffee
Taught by Henry Ayers, who is recognized for his work in Coffee as one of London’s premier Barista trainers from the renowned Gentlemen Baristas
Taught by Richard Hardwick, who is recognized for his work in Coffee as the founder of Bespoke Beverages and HALO Coffee and a former UK Barista Championship judge
Examines the origins of coffee, which is highly relevant to those who wish to understand more about where their coffee comes from

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Become A Coffee Expert: How To Make The Perfect Cup with these activities:
Review the course materials on coffee roasting
This activity will refresh your memory on the process and techniques of coffee roasting, which is a critical step in bringing out the flavor of coffee beans.
Browse courses on Coffee Roasting
Show steps
  • Read the course materials on coffee roasting.
  • Watch videos or read articles about the different methods of coffee roasting.
  • If possible, visit a local coffee roasting company and observe the roasting process.
Watch videos of professional baristas making coffee
This activity will help you learn from the experts and improve your coffee brewing skills by watching how professional baristas make coffee.
Show steps
  • Find videos of professional baristas making coffee on YouTube or other video sharing websites.
  • Watch the videos and pay attention to the techniques used by the baristas.
  • Try to replicate the techniques you learned in your own coffee brewing.
Review the basics of coffee bean grinding
This activity will help you refresh your memory on the basics of coffee bean grinding, which is essential for brewing a great cup of coffee.
Show steps
  • Read about the different types of coffee grinders and their pros and cons.
  • Watch a video tutorial on how to use a coffee grinder.
  • Practice grinding coffee beans using a hand grinder or an electric grinder.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore different coffee brewing methods
This activity will help you learn about the different methods of brewing coffee, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste and preferences.
Show steps
  • Read articles or blog posts about different coffee brewing methods.
  • Watch videos of baristas demonstrating different brewing methods.
  • Experiment with different brewing methods at home.
Join a coffee tasting group or attend a coffee cupping event
This activity will help you develop your palate and learn to appreciate the different flavors and aromas of coffee.
Show steps
  • Find a local coffee tasting group or coffee cupping event.
  • Attend the event and sample different coffees.
  • Discuss your impressions of the coffees with other participants.
Write a blog post or article about your favorite coffee brewing method
This activity will help you solidify your understanding of coffee brewing by writing about your favorite method.
Show steps
  • Choose your favorite coffee brewing method.
  • Write a blog post or article describing the method, including your tips and tricks.
  • Share your blog post or article with friends and family.
Enter a coffee brewing competition
This activity will challenge you to improve your coffee brewing skills and compete against other coffee enthusiasts.
Browse courses on Competition
Show steps
  • Find a local or online coffee brewing competition.
  • Practice your brewing skills and develop a unique coffee recipe.
  • Enter the competition and showcase your skills.
Contribute to an open-source coffee brewing project
This activity will help you to learn more about coffee brewing and to contribute to the open-source community.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Find an open-source coffee brewing project on GitHub or another code repository.
  • Review the project's documentation and code.
  • Identify an area where you can contribute to the project.
  • Submit a pull request with your proposed changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Become A Coffee Expert: How To Make The Perfect Cup will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Coffee Educator
Coffee Educators are responsible for teaching people about coffee. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to prepare and brew coffee, how to identify different coffee flavors and aromas, and how to teach others about coffee. Additionally, the course can help you understand the different types of coffee and how to brew them properly, which is essential for any Coffee Educator.
Coffee Roaster
Coffee Roasters are responsible for roasting coffee beans to create different flavors and aromas. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to select and prepare coffee beans, how to operate a coffee roaster, and how to blend different coffees to create unique flavors. Additionally, the course can help you understand the different types of coffee and how to brew them properly, which is a valuable skill for any coffee professional.
Food and Beverage Server
As a Food and Beverage Server, you will be responsible for providing excellent customer service in a restaurant or bar setting. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to prepare and serve food and beverages, how to handle customer inquiries and complaints, and how to maintain a clean and organized work area. Additionally, the course can help you understand the different types of coffee and how to brew them properly, which is a valuable skill for anyone working in the food and beverage industry.
Bartender
Bartenders are responsible for preparing and serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in a bar or restaurant setting. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to mix drinks, how to operate a cash register, and how to handle customer inquiries and complaints. Additionally, the course can help you understand the different types of coffee and how to brew them properly, which is a valuable skill for any bartender.
Coffee Shop Manager
Coffee Shop Managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a coffee shop. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to manage staff, how to create and implement a business plan, and how to market a coffee shop. Additionally, the course can help you understand the different types of coffee and how to brew them properly, which is a valuable skill for any coffee shop manager.
Quality Control Inspector
Quality Control Inspectors are responsible for ensuring that products meet quality standards. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to inspect products, how to identify defects, and how to write reports. Additionally, the course can help you understand the different types of coffee and how to brew them properly, which is a valuable skill for any quality control inspector in the food and beverage industry.
Sensory Analyst
Sensory Analysts are responsible for evaluating the sensory properties of products, such as taste, smell, and appearance. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to conduct sensory tests, how to analyze data, and how to write reports. Additionally, the course can help you understand the different types of coffee and how to brew them properly, which is a valuable skill for any sensory analyst in the food and beverage industry.
Food Scientist
Food Scientists are responsible for developing and improving food products. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to conduct research, how to design and test products, and how to write scientific reports. Additionally, the course can help you understand the different types of coffee and how to brew them properly, which is a valuable skill for any food scientist in the food and beverage industry.
Product Development Specialist
Product Development Specialists are responsible for developing new products or improving existing products. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to conduct market research, how to design and test products, and how to write product specifications. Additionally, the course can help you understand the different types of coffee and how to brew them properly, which is a valuable skill for any product development specialist in the food and beverage industry.
Nutritionist
Nutritionists are responsible for providing nutrition advice to individuals and groups. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to assess nutritional needs, how to develop meal plans, and how to counsel clients on healthy eating habits. Additionally, the course can help you understand the different types of coffee and how to brew them properly, which is a valuable skill for any nutritionist who works with clients who consume coffee.
Registered Dietitian
Registered Dietitians are responsible for providing nutrition advice to individuals and groups. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian, as it can help you develop a strong foundation in nutrition science. Additionally, the course can help you understand the different types of coffee and how to brew them properly, which is a valuable skill for any Registered Dietitian who works with clients who consume coffee.
Restaurant Manager
Restaurant Managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a restaurant. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in becoming a Restaurant Manager, as it can help you develop a strong foundation in business management. Additionally, the course can help you understand the different types of coffee and how to brew them properly, which is a valuable skill for any Restaurant Manager who wants to offer coffee to their customers.
Chef
Chefs are responsible for preparing and cooking food in a restaurant or other food service establishment. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in becoming a Chef, as it can help you develop a strong foundation in culinary arts. Additionally, the course can help you understand the different types of coffee and how to brew them properly, which is a valuable skill for any Chef who wants to offer coffee to their customers.
Coffee Blogger
Coffee Bloggers are responsible for writing about coffee for their own blogs or websites. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in becoming a Coffee Blogger, as it can help you develop a strong foundation in writing and blogging. Additionally, the course can help you understand the different types of coffee and how to brew them properly, which is essential for any Coffee Blogger.
Food Writer
Food Writers are responsible for writing about food for magazines, newspapers, and other publications. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in becoming a Food Writer, as it can help you develop a strong foundation in writing and journalism. Additionally, the course can help you understand the different types of coffee and how to brew them properly, which is a valuable skill for any Food Writer who wants to write about coffee.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Become A Coffee Expert: How To Make The Perfect Cup.
This comprehensive atlas provides an in-depth look at the world of coffee, from the history and cultivation of beans to the different brewing methods and flavors. It's a great reference for anyone interested in learning more about coffee and expanding their knowledge beyond the course.
This technical guide delves into the science and art of coffee brewing, providing detailed instructions on how to extract the best flavors from your coffee. It's a valuable resource for anyone who wants to master the art of making great coffee at home or in a professional setting.
This in-depth guide to espresso covers everything from the history and science of espresso to the art of brewing the perfect shot. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about espresso and master the techniques for making great espresso drinks.
This beautifully illustrated book offers a practical guide to making great coffee at home, covering everything from choosing the right beans to brewing and serving techniques. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the art of coffee brewing and create delicious coffee drinks at home.
This comprehensive coffee guide provides a wealth of information on all aspects of coffee, from choosing the right beans to brewing and serving techniques. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about coffee and create delicious coffee drinks at home.
This award-winning book provides a comprehensive history of coffee, exploring its global impact and cultural significance. It's a great read for anyone who wants to understand the deep-rooted history and cultural significance of coffee.
This approachable book provides a scientific exploration of the coffee brewing process, explaining the chemistry and physics behind each step. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to understand the science behind making great coffee and improve their brewing skills.

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