April coffee tasting classes at the Wine Spot

Are you a coffee connoisseur wondering how to make your home-brewed cup taste as good as what you buy at your local coffee shop? Do you wonder about the difference between blends of coffee, and light roast vs. dark?

Phoenix Coffee will offer two coffee classes this month at the Wine Spot in Cleveland Heights. On Saturday, April 14, 9:30–11 a.m., "Introduction to Coffee Tasting" wlll utilize the coffee taster's "cupping" procedure, described by Sarah Wilson-Jones, Phoenix Coffee CEO and superbarista, as "a multi-sensory way to assess coffee characteristics." Is there really less caffeine in dark roast coffee than in light roast coffee? Do you prefer Colombian or Sumatran? Why buy a blend over a varietal? These are among the questions that this class will answer, according to Wilson-Jones.

On Saturday, April 28, 9:30–11 a.m., "How to Brew Great Coffee at Home" will compare at least four brewing methods, including French press, stove-top espresso, pour-over drip and automatic drip. Wilson-Jones says, "Participants will get to experience one coffee brewed four different ways, to enable them to determine which brewing method is best for their individual palates."

The cost of each class includes a 12-ounce bag of coffee, and is $25 in advance. Those wishing to attend both classes can register at a combined cost of $45. The deadline for advance registration is Friday, April 13; after that, the cost per class is $30. The Wine Spot is at 2271 Lee Road. For additional information, and to register, visit www.phoenixcoffee.com/tickets.