Flavor School: Guided Coffee Brewing and Tasting with Equal Exchange

What to Expect

Fair Economy 101
Learn the basics of Equal Exchange, fair trade, and cooperatives. Instructors will explain how Equal Exchange partners with small-scale farmer cooperatives around the world and why this model matters in a coffee industry often dominated by unfair systems.

From Bean to Brew
Trace the journey of coffee from the field to your cup. We’ll talk about how coffee is grown, harvested, and processed, and then move into brewing. Together, we’ll compare three different brew methods—French Press, Chemex, and AeroPress—so you can taste the difference each makes in the cup.

Guided Coffee Tasting
This class is designed to be interactive. You’ll sample Equal Exchange coffees brewed in different ways, learn to identify flavor notes, and discover what brewing styles you prefer. Along the way, instructors will share tips on how to make a good cup of coffee at home.

Special Goodie Bag
Each participant will leave with an Equal Exchange coffee mug, tote bag, and a bag of Equal Exchange coffee. Goodie bags are reserved for class participants only; registrants must attend the class to redeem.

More About Flavor School
Flavor School is a class series that explores how our environment shapes the flavors in our food. Every ingredient carries the story of where and how it was grown or made, and by paying attention to these details, we gain a deeper understanding of the food system. The goal is to build awareness and appreciation for products created with care and intention—foods that often taste extraordinary.

Together we’ll explore hospitality that fosters community, have fun, and grow our curiosity about how our bodies respond to flavor. As sessions unfold, we’ll gather tasting notes from each instructor—whether it’s cocoa in wine, floral tones in coffee and beer, or barnyard qualities in cheese—and share them across the series to create a sense of cohesion in Flavor School.

More About Equal Exchange
Equal Exchange is a pioneering cooperative committed to building a more just and sustainable world through ethical trade. Founded in 1986, it partners directly with small-scale farmer cooperatives in over 20 countries, ensuring fair wages, environmental stewardship, and community development. Best known for coffee, chocolate, tea, and bananas, Equal Exchange operates as a worker-owned cooperative where each member has an equal say in the business. Its mission is to create an alternative trading model that benefits both producers and consumers, fostering a global community of equity and shared responsibility.

*A Minimum of 5 students is required to hold an in-person class. Refund requests must be made 48 hours in advance of class time

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