Sipping school: Milano Coffee debuts Master Class Series

Milano Coffee is one of Vancouver’s most respected and award-winning cafés and roaster, and its bean-savvy and driving force, Brian Turko, has brewed up a new series of classes aimed at helping coffee lovers take their bean knowledge to the next level.

The Milano Master Class series is comprised of three courses that can be taken individually or as a set. While each of the classes will build upon some of the information shared in the previous class, it is definitely not necessary to attend all three (though of course die hard coffee lovers may want to do just that!).

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Turko’s enthusiasm for encouraging coffee drinkers to learn more about the beans and beverage is infectious. Widely credited with being at the forefront of Vancouver’s still-blossoming coffee culture scene, Turko has over three decades of experience in coffee sourcing, roasting, and brewing.

Having gone himself from a coffee lover to a conneisseur, Turko thrives on sparking a similar passion in his customers, many who have come to know and love his Milano coffee and cafés and their ongoing role in Vancouver’s coffee story.

“Coffee is really simple,” explained Turko during a sneak peek of his first class. “It’s about acidity, aroma, body, and flavour.”

At the Milano Coffee class preview (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancity Buzz)

Simple in words, perhaps, but through various tasting techniques that Turko is eager to share, the multi-dimensions of the globe’s many varieties opens up a complex world of flavours and nuances to be appreciated.

The Milano Master Class series aims to unlock customers’ palates on the tasting journey, and foster a deeper understanding of roasting and brewing, and, above all, enjoying great coffee. It also affords attendees the opportunity to ask Turko questions.

Classes are the last Saturday of the month this May, June, and July, and are $100 each.

• May 30: Aroma
• June 27: Body
• July 25: Acidity & Flavour

Space is limited to eight people per class and reservations may be made by phoning 604-879-4468. All classes take place at Milano Coffee’s original café and roasting facility, 156 West 8th Avenue in Vancouver.