Michaelhouse Barista Society visits Beaver Creek

21 March 2023

For many, their day cannot start before they have an inviting cup of coffee to kick-start their system. There is little to match a good cuppa, but much needs to be done to provide the pleasure that so many seek, as the Michaelhouse Barista Society found on a recent visit to the Beaver Creek Coffee Estate and Roastery in Port Edward.

Founded in 1984, Beaver Creek is ideally located for the growing of the Arabica cultivar, with the estate producing three varietals. The Roastery boasts four signature blends: Espresso Blend, Ed’s Blend, Transkei Gold and House Blend.

For the Michaelhouse Barista Society, the trip perfectly represented the society’s theme for 2023 of “A journey through coffee…from crop to cup”.

At Beaver Creek, the boys were provided with a holistic run-down of the coffee industry, learning the ins-and-outs and finer details necessary for growing good quality coffee. This included the roasting process, so crucial to the delightful aroma that can make a room so welcoming, and a rich, warm cuppa so deeply satisfying.

An introductory barista course

Then, fittingly, given the name of the society, the members were put through an introductory barista course. This included lessons on different equipment, techniques and strains of coffee. Excitingly, they were also challenged to create their own drinks.

Rain put a bit of a damper on some of the intended activities, but the boys, nonetheless, came away from the experience with an enhanced appreciation for the world’s second most popular warm brew. And, anyway, what does one do after being caught in the rain? Brew up a nice cup of coffee!

The recent visit to Beaver Creek and the Michaelhouse Culinary Society’s visit to the Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine in February are indicative of the wonderful eclectic options on offer at the Midlands school, and it also suggests that the boys of ‘House are being well prepared to be stars in the kitchen, as well as the classroom.

Press Ctrl and enter to learn more about the Culinary Society’s visit.

Michaelhouse Culinary Society visits elite culinary school