Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Coffee tasting tips / advice? (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by RighteousnessBrigade
Hey everyone,
I’m new to the siren, have only been here for 6 months.
I have a coffee tasting this week with my SM & DM.
My SM just approached me one day saying I was doing it. Anyways, I have never attended let alone presented a coffee tasting before.
I was wondering what tips / advice anyone had?
From what I’m told: it’s going to be like 15 minutes long. I’m making it in the French press (which I’ve never used before). I am doing thanksgiving blend (which I’ve never had before). I’m pairing it with a pumpkin chocolate chip bread I’m making (as the fact sheet said pairs with pumpkin pie and chocolate bundt cake, so I thought it would work). I go through and guide them on the 4 steps of tasting and then do it again with the food .
Is it as simple as that?
Are there any key things I’m missing?
Should I be as nervous as I am?
I just feel like I’m back in middle school ill prepared for a presentation 🥲
(If you made it this far I’m sorry for a rant. I’m somebody that takes comfort in routine and plan small details in advance due to anxiety, I just don’t want to appear a fish out of water .)
Thank you so much for all your help!
I’m new to the siren, have only been here for 6 months.
I have a coffee tasting this week with my SM & DM.
My SM just approached me one day saying I was doing it. Anyways, I have never attended let alone presented a coffee tasting before.
I was wondering what tips / advice anyone had?
From what I’m told: it’s going to be like 15 minutes long. I’m making it in the French press (which I’ve never used before). I am doing thanksgiving blend (which I’ve never had before). I’m pairing it with a pumpkin chocolate chip bread I’m making (as the fact sheet said pairs with pumpkin pie and chocolate bundt cake, so I thought it would work). I go through and guide them on the 4 steps of tasting and then do it again with the food .
Is it as simple as that?
Are there any key things I’m missing?
Should I be as nervous as I am?
I just feel like I’m back in middle school ill prepared for a presentation 🥲
(If you made it this far I’m sorry for a rant. I’m somebody that takes comfort in routine and plan small details in advance due to anxiety, I just don’t want to appear a fish out of water .)
Thank you so much for all your help!
sofa_queen_awesome 5 points 8m ago
I don't even know how I got back to this sub as I hung up my apron quite some time ago, but I did do a TON of tastings in my time.
My district was intense about presentation. Best to not serve out of paper cups. If your store has demitasse ceramic cups that works. When I was doing tons of tastings trying to get promoted to SM I bought a cheap set of tasting cups and a few dessert plates and forks from world market as well as a cheap charcuterie board (but the pastry case display ones work too if you have those). I don't agree with spending your own $ on things you'll only use for that, but I use them all the time at home. You could get shotglass size ceramic cups alternatively.
Prepare with a few extra facts about the coffee beforehand (region, processing method, etc) so when you taste it you can not only describe the flavor but can connect the dots as to what gives it said flavor.
And don't be shy about slurping.
You're gonna kill it.
My district was intense about presentation. Best to not serve out of paper cups. If your store has demitasse ceramic cups that works. When I was doing tons of tastings trying to get promoted to SM I bought a cheap set of tasting cups and a few dessert plates and forks from world market as well as a cheap charcuterie board (but the pastry case display ones work too if you have those). I don't agree with spending your own $ on things you'll only use for that, but I use them all the time at home. You could get shotglass size ceramic cups alternatively.
Prepare with a few extra facts about the coffee beforehand (region, processing method, etc) so when you taste it you can not only describe the flavor but can connect the dots as to what gives it said flavor.
And don't be shy about slurping.
You're gonna kill it.
duiopgffvf 2 points 8m ago
They’re making you prepare them a homemade dessert and bring it to serve to them? Or is that something you’re doing because you want to? Props to you if you enjoy baking or whatever but also don’t let a fast food job exploit you like this if you don’t. That sounds like a lot of time and effort that you’re not being paid for. (Unless they’re paying for the groceries, time spent going to and from the store, the baking time itself, etc)
thephoenixking3 1 points 8m ago
Just had a coffee tasting with my ASM, SM and DM. And i literally just did a pour-over 10 minutes before hand and paired it with something in the store. Like a medium roast goes well with a lemon loaf. As simple as that. I explained where the blend came from, what aroma features it has, and why it go well with something citrus-y.
You don't need to actually cook for them (unless you really want to)
You don't need to actually cook for them (unless you really want to)
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