Bristot Coffee Academy
Being part of the Bristot family is truly special. From the moment we were introduced, both George and I felt it was a great fit for our company. Becoming their exclusive partner in Ireland has been an amazing honour for us. Apart from the exceptional Coffee, we share similar values so it seemed a right fit from the start. Being able to offer our customers great tasting Coffee, Coffee Machines and Barista Training among many other elements, ensures they always receive the complete package from us.
One of the many reasons Bristot is set apart from other roasters is the Coffee Academy. Every year since its formation in 2016, Barista trainers from around the world descend on Italy's northern region for a week long training camp, hosted by Bristot. Each year, we are trained to further develop our coffee education in different areas of coffee. Below is a quick recap on the Barista Camps I've been lucky enough to attend;
2016 - Prosecco Valley region & Trieste Coffee Show
We began in 2016 by visiting Prosecco Valley where we stayed in the most ideaIlic country house overlooking the valleys. At the camp were trainers from far and wide including, Greece, South Korea, Romania, UK, Ukraine, Poland, Israel, Russia & Germany. On the premises was a conference room where we knuckled down and got to work. We exchanged knowledge and how each of our countries differ when it comes to drinking coffee. For example previously I was unaware in Greece, the majority of Coffee is drank as a cold beverage, either a Freddo Cappuccino or a Freddo Espresso. As part of the week we also studied Green Foundation from the SCA (Speciality Coffee Association). On the last day we attended Trieste Espresso, where as Barista's we competed against each other, making Espresso's and Cappuccinos for a panel of Judges using a blend of Coffee we had created earlier in the week at the camp. I was pleased to place 3rd. After the show we had one last meal and of course some Prosecco before we went our separate ways.
2017 - Camping & Fiorenzato/Venice Day out
Returning in 2017 to North Italy was exciting as many of us has stayed in contact since we had met in 2016. Again 20+ Barista Trainers from far and wide descended on North Italy from as far as New York & Egypt, however this time we based ourselves close to city of Venice. As it was in July with the Italian sunshine blaring, our accommodation was a Glamping site on the outskirts. Again we spent the first 4 days learning, attending a seminar presented by Eddie Bieker. We visited Fiorenzato and saw their XGi technology which was released later that year at HOST 2017. We also go to visit Macine Keber who manufacture the majority of Coffee Grinder blades such as Fiorenzato, Mazzer, & Eureka. On the last day we were explored Venice. I'd been lucky enough to have visited previously however the city never ceases to amaze with all the Gondolas, there is no place quite like it. As always a highlight is visiting Cafe Florian-the oldest cafe in the world. Leaving on a high we eagerly anticipated what the 2018 edition would entail.
2018 - Sensory Intermediate, Belluno & snow walk in Cortina d'Ampezzo
For 2018, we based ourselves in Belluno, where Bristot have been roasting their delicious coffee since 1919. Surrounded by the Dolomites. Again we were as always so well looked after by the academy. The education time was all about the senses. Completing Sensory Intermediate from SCA was at times challenging. As is typical the first 4 days are intensive learning and the last day is a day of relaxing. We took to the snow capped, Dolomites and walked around the slope of the World Famous Cortina d'Ampezzo. The views were truly memorising and it was an experience like no other.
2019 - Green Coffee Intermediate, Trieste & Yacht race in Trieste Bay
By 2019, the majority of us have become close friends so we were delighted when the camp was announced. We were told we would be spending the week in beautiful city of Trieste. The week's education this time was Green Intermediate, which was extremely interesting. Exploring the evenings walking around the magical city of Trieste especially their coffee and wine bars was also a great experience in itself. We got to visit Pacorini, where the majority of Green Coffee comes to port in Italy. I'd never seen so much Green Coffee in one place. As before we got to relax on our last day. This time we took to Trieste bay and boarded Sailing boats. We were blessed with the weather and I can recall thinking at times that this must be a dream such was the experience. Parting ways, all of us were assured we would meet again in a few short months for the 2020 edition. Unfortunately the camp did not go ahead in 2020 like so many other events because of Covid 19.
Hopefully the later stages of 2021 will bring some clarity on the pandemic and International travel will return so we can once again meet for an espresso
Matt
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