SCA Brewing Foundation
Brew Coffee That Tastes the Way You Want It To.
If you love coffee and want to make consistently great brews at home, or you work in coffee and want the science behind the choices you're making, this is where structured brewing begins.
Over a full day, we cover the 7 essential elements of brewing, how to hit a target coffee-to-water ratio, how grind setting shapes extraction and flow rate, water quality and temperature, and how to analyze a brew and dial it in using the SCA Brewing Control Chart.
By the end, you'll have the framework to brew great coffee consistently. If you choose it, the SCA Brewing Foundation credential validates your entry into the SCA Brewing Skills path.
What You'll Walk Away With
- The 7 essential elements that determine every brew
- How to hit a target coffee-to-water ratio and adjust it
- How grind setting shapes extraction and what to change when
- How to analyze your brew using the SCA Brewing Control Chart
- The framework to make consistently great coffee at home
What We'll Cover.
01 Coffee Knowledge for Brewing
- The two main coffee species and how they show up in the cup
- How processing method changes flavor
- What freshness looks like and how to preserve it
02 Brewing Methods, Devices, and Grinders
- Common brewing methods and how they differ
- Automatic and manual gravity brewers and other common devices
- Grinders and how to choose the right one
03 The Essentials of Brewing
- The 7 essential elements that shape every brew
- Coffee-to-water ratio and how to hit a target
- Grind setting and how it changes extraction and flow rate
- Brewing time and water temperature
- Brew turbulence, water quality, and filter media
- Holding hot brewed coffee
04 Analyzing and Dialing In Your Brew
- Using the brewing device properly
- Describing the brew you make
- What balanced, over-extracted, and under-extracted brews taste like
- Reading and using the SCA Brewing Control Chart
05 Maintenance and Care
- Cleaning routines that protect your gear and your cup
Included in Your Registration.
- SCA-approved course workbook
- Cupping and brew analysis exercises with fresh coffees
- All coffee, materials, and equipment access for the day
- Lunch and refreshments through the day
- SCA certificate awarded on successful completion of the written exam (with the certificate option)
Everything You Need to Know Before You Come.
Duration
1 Day
Class size
Max 8 Students
Level
Foundation
Location
422 11 Ave SE #104, Calgary · Map
Trent Rollings
I founded Timberline and am the lead educator at the school. I've spent years in the industry as a World Coffee Championships Representative and Certified Judge, Q Grader/Instructor, and an Accredited Coffee Trainer, and have experience running coffee shops, a roastery, and training labs.
In class, my focus is creating a safe, fun environment to practice and develop your skills. I break concepts down so they're easier to understand and give you time to try them yourself.
4.9 Stars from 28 Google Reviews.
"Trent is a great instructor. Well organized, communication was super clear, and he was quick to answer any questions before and after the class."
Small class, tons of hands-on time. I finally understand how to dial in at home.
Worth every dollar. Trent explains the why behind everything, not just the how.
Good to Know.
Do I need any experience?
None required. Brewing Foundation is designed as the entry point to the SCA Brewing Skills program. Introduction to Coffee is recommended but not required. If you love coffee and want to make it better at home, or you're building toward a coffee career, this is where you start.
Do I need to bring anything?
Just yourself. All the equipment, coffee, and materials are provided here at the school.
Where does it take place?
At our coffee school: 422 11 Ave SE #104, Calgary, AB T2G 0Y4. Everything happens on site unless a date says otherwise.
What if I need to reschedule?
No problem. You can move to another date up to 48 hours before your session. Just get in touch and we will sort it out.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes. Canadian students can split any purchase through Shop Pay at checkout, up to 24 monthly payments (subject to approval, often interest-free on eligible plans).
