Great espresso is something you can learn to make. Join Black Arrows Coffee in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood for a welcoming, hands-on, 90-minute workshop where science meets craft.

Get behind the espresso machine and discover what goes into pulling a great shot. Learn how to dial in your grind size, adjust your dose and yield, master distribution and tamping, and understand how extraction time affects flavor. Through guided practice and taste calibration, you'll learn to recognize sour, bitter, or unbalanced espresso and make adjustments to improve your results.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your technique, you'll leave with practical skills and a better understanding of how to make café-quality espresso at home.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Grinding, dose, and yield: Understand how these variables work together to shape your espresso.
• Distribution and tamping: Learn techniques that help promote consistent extraction.
• Shot timing and extraction: Explore how extraction time affects flavor and balance.
• Taste calibration: Recognize signs of under- and over-extraction and learn how to adjust your espresso.
• Dialing in: Practice making adjustments to achieve a more balanced, flavorful shot.

THE EXPERIENCE

Get hands-on experience with an espresso machine in a welcoming, small-group setting. With a maximum of four participants, there’s plenty of room for questions, individual feedback, and guided practice. No prior professional experience is required. Just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm for great coffee!

WHO IT’S FOR

• Coffee lovers who want to improve their espresso at home
• Beginners curious about espresso fundamentals
• Home baristas looking to build confidence and consistency
• Anyone looking for a thoughtful, experience-based gift for a coffee lover

CLASS SIZE

To keep the experience personal and hands-on, classes are limited to 4 participants. The class will proceed even with just one registration.

REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY

Attendee cancellations: Refund requests must be submitted at least 7 days before the event to be eligible for a refund. Refunds cover the ticket price only; Eventbrite service fees are non-refundable, subject to Eventbrite’s applicable policies.