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SCA Sensory Skills — Foundation

SCA Sensory Skills — Foundation

SCA certification — Sensory Skills module

The Sensory Skills Foundation course explores the essentials of sensory assessment in a practical and interactive manner. It investigates the way we perceive what we taste and how to apply this knowledge when evaluating a coffee’s characteristics. Learners gain practical experience identifying a variety of sensory attributes and cupping coffees using both the SCA Descriptive and Affective Assessments.

This course welcomes anyone interested in exploring the world of specialty coffee and improving their sensory abilities. It is tailored for:

  • Baristas
  • Coffee enthusiasts
  • Foodies
  • Coffee industry staff
  • Coffee entrepreneurs

The Sensory Skills Foundation course provides a practical and interactive introduction to sensory evaluation essentials. It explores how human senses affect perception and how to use this understanding to assess coffee’s characteristics, such as body, acidity, bitterness and more. The course also covers identifying aromas and basic tastes using references and focuses on the purpose and process of conducting an SCA cupping. Learners gain insight into recognizing specialty coffee qualities and an overview of how to apply this knowledge in business.

Wissam Osta

Wissam Osta

SCA Authorized Trainer — Coffee Education Specialist & Brand Ambassador

SCA Authorized Trainer (AST), Barista Hustle graduate, and Coffee Education Specialist with 18 years in the coffee industry. Wissam started as a coffee machine technician in 2008 and built his way up through technical work into education, business development, and brand representation.

Today, as Coffee Education Specialist and Brand Ambassador at Café Najjar, he supports the Lebanese and export markets, developing business opportunities and delivering the technical expertise that helps coffee businesses grow. He leads the Najjar Training Academy alongside Maram Imad, and together they have trained over 400 baristas, coffee enthusiasts, and coffee shop owners since the Academy launched.

His focus areas are Barista Skills, Brewing, and Coffee Mixology. He builds beverage menus, crafts signature drinks, and solves the practical problems that stand between a café and better coffee. He stays close to international coffee events and keeps pushing coffee education forward for the next generation.

Maram Imad

Maram Imad

SCA Authorized Trainer & Q Instructor — Head of Technical Training

SCA Authorized Trainer, Q Instructor, Certified Q Arabica Grader, Q Processing Professional from the Coffee Quality Institute, and Certified World Coffee Championships (WCC) Judge, with 14 years at Café Najjar.

Her background in Biochemistry and Agrifood Quality Control shapes how she works: coffee quality, sensory science, product development. As Head of Technical Training at Café Najjar, she leads team development, process improvement, and the training programs that keep technical expertise sharp across the organization. Alongside Wissam Osta, she co-leads the Najjar Training Academy, where they have trained over 400 baristas, coffee enthusiasts, and coffee shop owners since it launched.

She is currently pursuing the CAS in Coffee Excellence at the ZHAW Coffee Excellence Center, adding to a career built on advancing coffee education across Lebanon and the region.

Kamel Al Fahmawi

Kamel Al Fahmawi

SCA Authorized Trainer — Coffee Trainer & Technical Support Specialist

SCA Authorized Trainer in Barista and Brewing, and the youngest Jordanian to hold this certification. Kamel has built his coffee career since 2019, trained through Barista Hustle and advanced coursework in Florence, Italy.

His expertise spans espresso, brewing, roasting fundamentals, green coffee, sensory skills, and café management. Today, as Coffee Trainer and Technical Support Specialist, he delivers professional training, technical support, and practical solutions for coffee businesses across the region.

Duration
1 full day
Available dates
No dates scheduled yet — contact us and we will tell you about the next one.
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