BRIEFLY IN BUSINESS

Coffee Cuppings begin in June

Laguna Coffee Company will hold coffee tastings, called Coffee Cuppings, at 1 p.m. June 7 and Sept. 6 at the shop, 1050 S. Coast Hwy.

Husband-and-wife team Paul and Cathy Ackley purchased the shop in 2006. Paul Ackley trained with the former owner in the art of coffee roasting and continues his coffee education by attending seminars and studying with great roasters and coffee scientists around the country. He roasts coffee beans at the shop several times a week for ultimate freshness.

Ackley creates different blends including “Laguna,” a blend of Tanzanian peaberry and Sumatran beans; and “Black Pearl,” a proprietary blend that he won’t divulge.

Because many of their customers are interested in learning more about coffee, the Ackleys have started the quarterly cuppings event.

“The easiest way to explain a cupping is to compare it to a wine tasting,” Ackley said. “I choose two roasts for each cupping, usually one medium and one dark. Participants inspect the beans, which I roast just before the event, noting color and aroma; then the ground beans are also viewed, noting how color and aroma have changed. Finally, hot water is poured over the grinds, creating a ‘coffee crust’ which is broken so that the brew can be tasted.

“The best way to taste is to slurp, which opens the flavors all around the mouth and palate. We discuss the taste, coffee vocabulary, bean selection, roasting methods, brewing tips. In short “” the cupping is everything you ever wanted to know about coffee.”

Participation is free but space is limited; reservations can be made by calling the shop at (949) 494-6901. The Laguna Coffee Company is open seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Saturdays feature live jazz from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To join the e-mail list or purchase coffee by the pound, call or visit www.lagunacoffeeco.com.