We reflect with appreciation on the notable achievements of the SEABRIDGE’s Q Arabica Grader Combo Course, which unfolded at SEABRIDGE in October 2023. This course offered a valuable opportunity for coffee enthusiasts seeking to become licensed Q graders, in collaboration with the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI). Hosted at our state-of-the-art, Belgian certified SCA Specialty Coffee Training Campus, the course was a meticulous exploration of the world of specialty coffee.

The Coffee Journey

In October of this year, participants embarked on a captivating six-day voyage into the world of coffee. The comprehensive course had two distinct phases. The first, known as the ‘Pre Q’, spanned three enlightening days dedicated to the practical and theoretical exploration of coffee. During this phase, we meticulously laid the groundwork, exploring the origins, cultivation, and the science behind coffee tasting, to understand the complexities of this beloved beverage.

Our trainees, brimming with dedication and enthusiasm, actively explored “Le Nez du Café.” This exercise allowed them to uncover distinct aromas found in the world’s finest coffees. The unwavering commitment displayed by this year’s participants to the art of coffee tasting was astonishing.

Throughout the course, participants delved into various enriching exercises contributing to their coffee sensory journey. The standout was the “Le Nez du Café” exercise, where participants honed their aroma recognition skills by exploring different groups of aromas—dry distillation, aromatic taints, sugar browning, and enzymatic aromas.

The journey through the Q Arabica Grader Combo Course was truly fascinating, featuring engaging and challenging activities. Participants dedicated themselves to unraveling the mysteries of coffee, from its origins to the intricate world of aromas and flavours. The course was marked by a shared passion for coffee and a commitment to excellence that was inspiring and rewarding.

The Q Arabica Grader Combo Course at SEABRIDGE had esteemed instructors leading the way. Mrs. Marcela Vásquez, a CQI instructor, brought a wealth of experience in coffee quality evaluation. Alongside her, SEABRIDGE’s Green Coffee Quality Expert, Mr. Ivan Lamilla Muñoz, provided professional assistance and priceless insights.

Participants dedicated efforts to fine-tune their coffee-tasting abilities through the Gustatory Sensory Skills test. This test focused on fundamental flavours crucial to the art of coffee tasting. At SEABRIDGE, we encouraged trainees to actively participate in the Gustatory Sensory Skills practice, refining their abilities and evolving into more discerning coffee graders.

The Hub of Specialty Coffee Education

Furthermore, we encouraged trainees to actively participate in the Gustatory Sensory Skills practice, where they diligently refined their abilities, evolving into more discerning coffee graders. The students actively engaged in identifying and matching pairs of coffee acids during one of the exam modules, underlining their impressive knowledge and unwavering attention to detail.

At SEABRIDGE, we wholeheartedly acknowledged the challenges this course presented. We understood that not everyone sailed through all the exams on their first attempt. In a bid to empower our students to attain their well-deserved certification, the final day of the course was thoughtfully designed to offer participants the chance to retake specific tests, providing them with every opportunity to succeed.

Notes, Kudo’s, Credits & Inspo

CQI Q Grader : Certified Q Graders are professionals skilled in sensory evaluation of green coffee, and are employed throughout the industry.

CQI’s Q Coffee System is an internationally recognised program for evaluating cup quality based on a standardised system for Arabica coffee using protocols developed by the SCA.

An SCA Premier Training Campus is an organisation certified by the Specialty Coffee Association as having met all the requirements of the SCA Premier Training Campus program. Achieving SCA Campus accreditation is a prestigious designation that requires demonstrated compliance with industry and SCA standards and protocols. SEABRIDGE became the first Belgian SVA Certified Premier Training Campus in 2018 !  

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