Stay jittery, Sacramento
Tastings, movie screenings and contests—don’t miss these Specialty Coffee Week events
The events only run through October 19 but, fear not, there are still plenty of buzzworthy ways to cap off Specialty Coffee Week. You may have to purchase that pint of coffee stout, but most events and tastings are free unless otherwise noted. And don’t miss all the coffee-themed specials—check out the full list at www.specialtycoffeeweek.com.
Movie premiere and coffee celebritiesOK—this is not an official Specialty Coffee Week event because there's a ticket fee. But so much is included. Insight Coffee Roasters presents a screening of A Film About Coffee, a beautiful documentary that showcases farmers, roasters and baristas. Chat with folks from San Francisco's Ritual Coffee Roasters and Four Barrel Coffee, enjoy fresh pour-overs, stay for a Q&A session and mingle with fellow coffee nerds at an after-party. $15. 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16 at Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street.
Tasting and another movieFor a free, simultaneous screening, head to Pachamama Coffee Cooperative and learn about the birthplace of coffee. Ethiopia is the topic of the 2006 documentary Black Gold—enjoy while sipping two varieties of Ethiopian coffee. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16 at Pachamama Coffee Cooperative, 919 20th Street.
Cold brew madnessInspired by barrel-aged beers, Coffee Works is experimenting with cold brew coffee aged with oak chips. Try six different versions and munch on some French pastries after a tour of Sacramento's longest-running roastery. 4-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 and 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at Coffee Works, 3418 Folsom Boulevard.
Cafe Au Ale homebrew showdownIt's too late to enter Sacramento's first official coffee beer homebrew competition, but it should still make for a tasty party. Certified beer judges and industry folk will award prizes and swag to the winners, while everyone can imbibe flights of coffee beers from Oak Park Brewing Co. and Ruhstaller. 6-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 at Old Soul at 40 Acres, 3434 Broadway.
Meet the farmerChocolate Fish Coffee Roaster's Guatemalan coffee farmer will discuss growing, processing and building relationships with roasters. Be prepared to drink coffee, watch a slide show and ask questions. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 at Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters, 4749 Folsom Boulevard.
Live roasting demoWatch the process from green bean to brewed coffee. The team behind Entimos Coffee Roasters will be roasting small batches all day and offering single cup pour-overs and beans to-go. 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at Shady Coffee & Tea, 325 Douglas Boulevard in Roseville.
Coffee-laced brunchAn order of French toast with coffee will take on a whole new meaning at Sunday brunch, with Old Soul infusing classic dishes with coffee. The head roaster will come up with suggested coffee pairings, too. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19 at Old Soul, 1716 L Street.
Ethiopian coffee ceremonyFirst, a coffee history lesson as told by Tiferet Coffee House's roaster. Then, a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony with non-traditional treats from Estelle's Patisserie. 8-10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 19 at Tiferet Coffee House, 3020 H Street.
Coffee cocktailsEight of the city's top bartenders will compete to create the best artisanal coffee cocktail. Attendees will also be able sample the original coffees and order off a special coffee-themed menu. 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19 at Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Co., 1630 S Street.
Grand finaleTaste a preview of this year's “Sauce” coffee stout from Ruhstaller and Old Soul Co. at Specialty Coffee Week's official wrap-party. Other experimental, one-off coffee beers will fill the rest of Ruhstaller's taps. 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19 at Ruhstaller, 630 K Street.