From Bean to Cup – Practical Coffee Brewing Workshop
Step into the heart of the roastery and discover how your favorite specialty coffee gets its flavor
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly roasted specialty coffee. If you’ve ever walked into a working roastery just after a roast, you know what I mean. That thick, sweet scent – part chocolate, part fresh wood – lingers in the air long after the machine has cooled down. That’s exactly how my first visit to Gdańska Palarnia Kawy smelled. And that’s when my love for coffee began – not just in the cup, but at the source, from the raw green bean.
Today, I’ll take you on a brief journey into the world of specialty coffee. But if you truly want to experience it – nothing compares to joining one of our specialty coffee brewing workshops in Gdańsk.
Where the beans come from – the key to specialty coffee
In the world of specialty coffee, they say flavor begins on the farm – and it’s not just a slogan. Every specialty coffee has a story written in its origin: climate, soil, altitude, and even the hands that picked it. When we lay out green beans from Ethiopia, Colombia, and India during our brewing workshops in Gdańsk, you can see the differences with the naked eye – some are almost turquoise, others olive, and some even have reddish spots.
I remember a moment during one workshop when a participant asked, “Why does this coffee from Guatemala smell like dried apricots?” And that’s the heart of it – the processing method (how the coffee cherries are handled after harvest) has a huge impact on the final flavor. During the workshops, you’ll learn the differences between natural, washed, and honey coffees – and how to recognize those flavor notes.
Green Beans – The Raw Potential of Specialty Coffee Flavor
Green specialty coffee is something many coffee lovers have never seen up close. In our workshops, you can touch it, smell it, and even... taste it (though be warned – it’s not your usual flavor experience). In this humble little bean lies the entire flavor potential, waiting to be "unlocked" during roasting.
One of the most common questions during the workshops is: “What does green specialty coffee smell like?” The answers are often surprising: “canned peas,” “hay,” “wet cardboard” – and they’re all valid! Green beans are raw and neutral – only fire gives them their soul.
Light, Medium, or Dark Roast – How It Shapes the Flavor Profile of Specialty Coffee
If you’ve ever wondered why one specialty coffee tastes like raspberries and another like dark chocolate – roasting is a big part of the answer. A light roast preserves the bean’s natural character – fruity, acidic, floral notes. A darker roast brings out chocolate, spices, and caramel tones.
During our coffee brewing workshops in Gdańsk, you’ll learn how to recognize these flavor profiles and how roasting influences aroma and taste. You’ll see and taste the difference between light, medium, and dark roasted beans – both visually and in the cup.
How to Taste Specialty Coffee? A Short Cupping Course at the Workshop
Cupping is a method used worldwide to evaluate the quality of specialty coffee – in roasteries and workshops alike. Sounds technical? A bit, but in practice it’s a sensory adventure. We smell the dry and wet grounds, assess the aroma of the brew, look for scent notes, and then – we slurp (loudly!).
I remember my first “slurp” – I felt awkward until I understood that the point is to spray the brew across your palate and reach every taste receptor. In the workshops, we don’t score the coffee, but we learn to notice differences: what “full body” means, how citrus acidity differs from winey acidity, and how to distinguish nutty from caramel.
Specialty Coffee Brewing Workshops in Gdańsk – What to Expect
The workshops are a great opportunity to explore different brewing methods for specialty coffee – from classic pour-over and Aeropress to espresso machines. You'll get hands-on tips on how to bring out the best flavors from your chosen beans and equipment.
During the session, feel free to ask questions – whether it's about grinders, water temperature, extraction time, or other key factors that influence taste. It's also a great space to share your passion and experiences with other coffee lovers.
If you're curious about creating beautiful patterns in milk foam, consider joining our Latte Art workshops as well.
Why Join a Specialty Coffee Brewing Workshop in Gdańsk?
Understanding how specialty coffee works – from origin, roast level, to brewing method – will completely change the way you drink it. Instead of making random choices, you'll begin to choose coffees based on flavor profiles that really speak to you. Maybe you'll start looking for beans with hints of vanilla, red fruit, or chocolate, picking the right coffee for the moment or mood.
Most importantly, you’ll learn how to use all this knowledge in practice. You'll get access to various grinders, brewing tools, filters, and – most importantly – the expertise of your instructors. It’s not about becoming a barista in an hour, but about having fun exploring. And that moment when someone tastes your brew and says, “Wait, you made this?” – priceless.
Looking for a thoughtful gift? A coffee workshop gift card is the perfect way to give not just coffee, but a meaningful experience.
FAQ – Most Frequently Asked Questions About the Specialty Coffee Brewing Workshops
Are the workshops suitable for beginners?
Yes! The workshops are designed so that anyone – even if you're just starting your specialty coffee journey – can learn with ease and enjoy the brewing process.
Do I need to bring my own coffee?
No, we provide a selection of specialty coffees curated specially for the workshop. But if you're interested in trying beans for espresso or moka pots, check out our coffee selection for home brewing.
How long do the workshops last?
Typically around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the program and group size.
Do I need my own equipment?
No, all equipment is provided. However, if you have a favorite grinder or brewer, feel free to bring it along.
Where are the workshops held?
At Gdańska Palarania Kawy, located in the heart of Gdańsk.
Book your spot now and start your coffee journey with us!
