Become a Coffee Expert: How to Make the Perfect Cup

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.

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

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!

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?

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. 

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.

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.