"The SCA Coffee Skills programme is available/taught by instructors/ASTs at First Crack. Prior to taking the class, I hadn't heard of First Crack and was uncertain whether to choose them for my training session. I found the team very responsive to emails. I asked for referrals to help my decision making and they were quickly and joyfully provided. Once the session was booked communication lines were kept open. Course material was sent prior to start of class and was in a very clear, concise and easily absorbable format with references and videos/audios. The AST was also happy to jump on a call to address my specific questions prior to the in-person session and provide further specific guidance on roasting with robusta. COVID protocols were properly respected during the in-person sessions with only brief periods of unmasking during cupping. Modified protocols for COVID 19 were used for cupping, social distance was maintained and there was hand sanitizer and frequent cleaning/tidying up. The space was also well aerated. The roasting professional class I took was in Denver, Colorado. There were many classes available by First Crack in Rochester and St. Louis inclusively. I found the scheduling extremely useful (frequent classes in various locations), their class schedules for the new year were up early on the SCA Education website and First Crack were one of the few who had classes so close to the holidays. The AST, for my class, Adam was friendly, knowledgeable and experienced. The space was well equipped and I left feeling very satisfied with the practice time spent on the roaster and the quality of answers to my questions. The down side of taking classes in the US as an African in a robusta growing country, is that specialty coffee and the coffee skills programme is focused on arabica and not robusta. Most trainers do not roast regularly with robusta or have experience in coffee in Africa. That said, I was pleasantly surprised that First Crack ensured there was a Tanzanian Robusta for me to work with in addition to coffee I brought with me. The team also provided guidance on roasting with a robusta that was over and beyond the coursework! The AST, Adam also had many years experience as a barista and threw in a few practice tries of latte art which was great! Overall, very satisfied and I would recommend First Crack for the SCA coffee skills programme. Ask for Collin and Adam! Thank me later. Special thanks to Alexis for the latte art training as well and Kevin for a friendly welcome when I came in. 😀"

"I took the Bean to Brew course at First Crack and had an excellent experience. The staff is exceptionally knowledgeable and professional, and the course material and hands on experience were well worth the price of admission. Looking forward to being able to utilize the facilities in the future."

"We met the team at First Crack Denver just as we were building Convict Coffee Company in Parker, CO. The team there were absolutely essential in our coffee education, selection and as business partners. We literally could not do what we do without them! - Dan, Owner Convict Coffee Company"

"Great experience, thank you guys!"