Q School at Just Cup Coffee Academy

I have been down in Arkansas for the week.  It even sounds a bit strange rolling off of my tongue, and honestly, I was very skeptical coming down here.  At the recent Roaster's Guild, Chad bought a certificate for Q School in a silent auction, redeemable at Just Cup Coffee Academy.  If it wasn't for that, I never would have considered taking on the expense and time, especially right before taking possession of our new cafe space.  Nevertheless, we booked flights and made arrangements to come down to the area of Rosebud, Arkansas to take on the certification process.  Marty Curtis and Tracy Allen run the Q School in Rosebud, where there is a certified SCAA cupping lab.  Tracy warned me prior to coming that the course was very difficult, and truth be told, I was fretting about coming all the way down here only to fail and head home empty handed.  Thankfully, my experience has not panned out according to my expectations in any way.  The course has been very difficult, but has been very useful, instructional and has made me a far more knowledgeable and competent cupper (we still have one day of instruction left).  Marty and Tracy along with their expert roaster Stephen (Hollywood) run a professional and top notch outfit.

I can't say it enough or loud enough, this course is very useful, and forces you to take serious the task of cupping and it hones your skills in identifying the flavours and aromas that are so prevalent in our industry.  Further to that, it also reinforces some very basic and essential knowledge in your brain, so it becomes second nature.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my time down here this week.  Too be completely honest, Arkansas is a bit of an adjustment, as the county is dry for the most part and good food is hard to come by.  But thankfully we found a delightful little Inn in Heber Springs (Anderson House) owned by a talented chef from New Jersey named Ira.  Not only does he have a licensed facility, he knows how to cook.  If you have ever doubted the value of Q School, like I did, allow me to sway your uneducated opinion.  The $1200 dollar admission fee is a bargain for the amount of learning you do while at the Just Cup Coffee Academy.  Oh and last but not least, Marty, Tracy and Stephen are all good people!