PORTLAND, OR. – The subtleties of coffee cupping, sourcing, blending and roasting, particularly for espresso, will be the focus of two intensive back-to-back workshops offered this July 10 through 14 by well-known coffee cupper, writer and consultant Kenneth Davids at Portland’s American Barista and Coffee School (ABC's) founded by Bellissimo Coffee InfoGroup.

The first workshop, running for three days July 10 through 12, is designed as an-depth beginning introduction to coffee cupping, blending and roasting for those food service retailers who want to know more about the coffee they buy or who may be considering taking the first steps in setting up their own roasting operations.

The second workshop, July 13 through 14, is a more advanced two-day experience focusing on how to better evaluate and produce distinctive espresso blends. It is designed for those professionals who are already involved in coffee roasting and for those who have completed the first, introductory three-day workshop. Participants will systematically taste and evaluate espresso blends, cup coffees for espresso blending, review some roasting issues in regard to espresso, and then take the first steps in designing their own espresso blends.

The workshops will be held at ABC's state-of-the art facility in Portland. ABC’s offers comprehensive coffee business start-up and management programs, barista and latte art training, and a wide spectrum of classes for consumers.

Kenneth Davids is the author of three books on coffee and the writer/editor for the influential web publication Coffee Review. His first book, Coffee: A Guide to Buying, Brewing & Enjoying initially appeared in 1975 and since has sold over 300,000 copies in five editions. His books on espresso and micro-roasting are both in their second edition with St. Martin’s Press. He also wrote, co-produced and hosted the prize-winning training video Passionate Harvest with Bellissimo. Kenneth Davids’ consulting clients include both roasters and producers.

Participants will draw on Kenneth’s nearly 30 years of cosmopolitan experience working in coffee on five continents, as well as the opportunity to share the expertise of fellow workshop participants in an intimate but structured context.

Workshop fees are $1,450 for the three-day course, $975 for the two-day course. Both workshops can be taken for $2,375. For on-line registration and further information, visit ABC's or call 800.655.3955.