Starbucks Coffee College Experience

by - Sunday, March 13, 2016

I used to say that I'm a self-confessed coffee lover even if I only have one go-to coffee drink at Starbucks. I didn't have any idea about the coffee beans, nor their roast profiles. All I know is that I want my coffee iced and with a non-fat milk. 

But with Starbucks Coffee College, I was introduced to a coffee immersion defining the roots of coffee, what food I can pair it with, different brewing methods and a whole lot more!

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HISTORY OF COFFEE


To start this lecture, Coffee Master Ana (2015 Starbucks Philippines Coffee Ambassador 1st Runner Up) took us to a coffee journey from Circa 800 AD until present time. I felt like I'm in high school studying geography when she tackled about where Starbucks source their coffee (Latin America, Africa and Asia Pacific Region) and the different Coffee Processing Method to bring out its flavor (Washed, Semi-Washed and Natural)

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Here are some milestone that we should all be thankful for:

19th Century - Vacuum packaging was discovered.  
(Air is removed from packaging to preserve the coffee's freshness)


1901 - First invention of soluble coffee by Japanese - American Satori Kato.


1938 - Nestle commercializes instant coffee (Wohoo!)


1971 - Starbucks open its first store in Pike Place Market

December 4, 1997 - Starbucks Philippines opened its first branch at 6750 Ayala Building in Makati (Hallelujah!) 




AROMA LAB


Starbucks Senior Learning Specialist Matt took us to the Aroma Lab and showcased particular flavors unique to the different coffee's birthplace.

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In front of us were three cups of different coffees partnered with things reminiscent to their aroma and flavor. 

First, we compared Columbia to the peanuts. We were tasked to sniff the coffee and the opened peanut shell. The nuttiness is pronounced to the Columbia coffee. It is very balanced because of its medium body and moderate acidity. 

Second, the grapefruit was compared to Kenya. The citrusy taste of the fruit was similar to Kenya's full-bodied, juicy acidity taste. 

Lastly, the Sumatra was compared to a slice of Shitake Mushroom. We had to break the slice in two and smelled its earthy scent. Their similar aroma embodies dry herbs and reveals bold flavors.

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COFFEE PAIRING


Since it was lunch time, we were served with Neo-Filipino cuisine paired with specific coffee flavors to bring out the taste in every dish.

STARBUCKS RESERVE® ETHIOPIA GUJI BILIDA BUKISA (CLOVER BREWED ICED COFFEE)
&
GRILLED SHRIMP SALAD
grilled fresh water shrimps, mixed greens, edible flowers, micro greens, calamansi gelee, salted egg salsa and cherry tomatoes tossed in citrus dressing

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STARBUCKS TRIBUTE BLEND® (PRESSED COFFEE)
&
SEAFOOD & EGGPLANT COCIDO
assortment of poached fresh seafood on a bed of light eggplant relish, cocido broth reduction with corn and garbanzos

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STARBUCKS TRIBUTE BLEND® (PRESSED COFFEE)
&
ADOBO sa BALSAMIC
trio of chicken, pork and beef adobo, slow cooked in balsamic vinegar with garlic served over Kabute risotto omelette

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STARBUCKS VIA® READY BREW COLOMBIA
&
TURON sa HALO-HALO
crisp springroll filled with ube puree, banana, red mung beans and macapuno topped with Mantecado ice cream, tapiocca glazed with honey

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In case you are wondering what we did with the Starbucks Via Ready Brew, we sprinkled the coffee on top of the scoop of Mantecado ice cream. Instant coffee crumble! :p
With proper knowledge on the coffee's roast profiles, anybody can pair their coffees with their main course dish at home. We were all used to pairing coffee with our desserts but who would've thought it can work with other dishes as well? It may look like a weird pair at first, but this sure is one memorable and must-try experience. #WhatPattyEats #WhatPattyRecommends

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BREWING METHODS


I made a compiled boomerang videos to show you guys quickly on how you can maximize your coffee experience  by using a Coffee Press at home. Whether you like hot or cold coffee, make sure to jot down some notes!

Things you need for a Hot Brew:

Coffee Press
Coarse Grind Coffee Ground
Just-boiled Hot Water


Things you need for a Cold Brew:

Coffee Press
Coarse Grind Coffee Ground
Filtered Water
Paper Filter
Glass Jar


After this lecture, I'm actually thinking of getting myself a Coffee Press anytime soon. My family is a hefty coffee drinker and I think this will be a great addition to enjoy our sunday morning bonding! <3

This educational course ended with an exceptional latte art demonstration by the 2015 Starbucks Philippines Coffee Ambassadors. They were so nice that they even taught some of us how to do it.

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Through this experience, I get to know Starbucks more than just an entity of serving coffee. I was introduced to a world of passionate baristas not only dedicated to making the best cup of coffee, but also their ethics on sourcing and roasting coffee to help the community behind our much-loved coffee. They get my stamp for letting me achieve the ultimate Starbucks experience! Now, I was introduced to more coffee options which I like. 

I'm more than a happy customer now because of figuring these things out and I know I made the right choice of getting my daily dose of cup to them. <3

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Want to experience Starbucks Coffee College? Bug them over their Facebook page or through their website! Hee hee :p

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4 comments

  1. What a long and interesting article. So much info to share. I love the history facts of coffee most. Coffee is something so normal and still so special! I love Starbucks. It's my favorite coffee since long time ago!!

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  2. Oh I really enjoy Starbucks coffee so it was interesting hear some facts and history of the brand!! Coffee is such a big part of people's lives and I'm desperate to learn latte art, the baristas make it look incredibly easy!

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  3. You're so lucky to be here. I'm not a coffee drink but nothing beats the aroma of coffee in the morning! I'm interested to join here. Hope you let me inform me if you will join again or know the next upcoming schedule. Thanks!

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  4. Checkout Starbucks Coffee Appreciation Festival at bit.ly/CoffeeAppreciation. Admission is free plus it's gonna be a two day event at Shangri-La Plaza Mall. ☺️

    ReplyDelete

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