6683
Academy Course
Sensory Skills Intermediate
Calibrate your palate against others, and start speaking the structured language of CVA.
Format
In person · Online
Duration
2 days
Level
Intermediate
Next Cohort
26–27 October 2026
What You'll Learn
Eight core competencies to master in this course.
1
Calibrate your scores against other tasters in the room.
2
Compare coffees side by side with structured precision.
3
Understand the CVA framework: descriptive versus affective assessment.
4
Use CVA scoresheets to record structured tasting notes.
5
Separate personal preference from objective description.
6
Identify subtle flavour and texture differences between similar coffees.
7
Build consistency: score the same coffee the same way, twice.
8
Prepare for the full CVA methodology covered in Sensory Professional.
Who It's For
- Sensory Skills Foundation graduates ready to calibrate their palate.
- Baristas and Q-Grader aspirants building toward CVA fluency.
- Roasters who want sensory feedback to inform their roasting.
- Anyone preparing for Sensory Skills Professional.
Prerequisites
- Sensory Skills Foundation, or equivalent cupping experience.
- Comfort with the SCA cupping protocol.
The Instructor
Maryam Tabatabaei
Authorized SCA Premier Trainer · Q-Arabica GraderTaught by Maryam.
Maryam is an Authorized SCA Premier Trainer and a Q-Arabica Grader certified under the SCA Q Coffee System (formerly the Coffee Quality Institute) — one of the few practitioners in the United Arab Emirates who holds both credentials at once.
She placed fourth at the HB Best Batch Roasting Championship (Feb 2026), judged the UAE National Roasting Championship (Jan 2026), and presented at Gulfood 2026’s Specialty Coffee Stage. Cohorts in her studio are kept to six learners — closer to a master class than a campus.
“I will not teach you what to think about coffee. I will teach you how to taste it for yourself.”
SCA Authorized TrainerQ-Arabica Grader · SCAUAE Roasting Championship Judge4th · HB Best Batch RoastingGulfood 2026 · Specialty Stage
Frequently Asked
Is this the full CVA certification?
No. This introduces the CVA framework and scoresheets. Full CVA methodology is covered in Sensory Skills Professional and the standalone CVA course.
Will we cup with other students?
Yes. Calibration is done in groups by design — comparing scores is how consistency is built.
Next Step