FREquently Asked Questions

What is a Coffee Cupping, anyway?

It’s like a wine tasting, but with coffee.

  • I start off with an informal half hour presentation, covering coffee as an agricultural commodity, how it’s grown and processed, how it’s been consumed throughout history and introduce participants to concepts such as roasting, aroma, taste and mouthfeel.

  • We then do a fun interactive exercise in which participants try three different coffees and document what they smell and taste using stickers and a flavor wheel.

  • We end by reviewing our shared perceptions of taste and aroma, have Q & A session and finish the coffee.

The purpose is to get people to pay attention to coffee - to gain more appreciation for the complexity and wonder of a drink that we typically take for granted in our day to day life.

How long does THE CUPPING Last?

About 2 hours.

WHO IS THE EMCEE?

Me (Rob Fitzgibbon, or just “Fitz.”) I’ve done dozens at both libraries and corporate events, but it’s only this year (2024) that I’ve decided to make it a little more official by creating a website.

HOW MANY pARTICIPANTS CAN SIGN UP?

I’ve done cuppings with as few as 4 people and as many as 20. The sweet spot is definitely 12. More than that gets logistically difficult.

WHAT COFFEE DO YOU BRING?

I bring three types of coffee, but the three coffees change with each event and my choices are a secret – until the end of the event.

If the town has a local popular roaster, I often include one of its blends to see if participants can identify their hometown favorite.

How much does it cost?

$200 for up to 12 participants

WHAT CAN FITZ PROVIDE?

  • A W-9

  • A coffee wheel poster (You get to keep this)

  • Press-ready descriptions & bio 

  • A poster stand (I keep this)

  • The stickies (They are little multicolored dots)

  • The coffee (We drink this)

  • Little paper tasting cups

  • Invoice (Prompt payment always appreciated)

Note: In past years I’ve brewed the coffee on site, which was great but messy and required a kitchenette and trash can. Now I bring pre-brewed coffee in airpots. But let me know if you want me to do a brew demonstration.

WHAT DOES THE HOSTING INSTITUTION PROVIDE?

  • A scheduled date and time on the official calendar

  • A room to hold a dozen people with a table

  • Advertising: Social media outreach, posted flyers, etc

  • Payment

DOES THE CUPPING INCLUDE EXPRESSOS OR CAPPUCCINOS?

Italian roasting and brewing methods are a fascinating coffee subject of their own, but not the subject of the basic cupping presentation.

Does it Include baked goods, Milk or Sugar?

Nope. It masks the coffee’s flavor.

How long have you been hosting Coffee Cuppings?

Since 2014.

DO PEOPLE LIKE THE CUPPINGS?

Yes. References available upon request.

How do I sign up for a cupping?

Just click on the button below.