a group of people around a table attending a coffee tasting event
Education

Learn, Grow, and Master the Art of Coffee with Me

Are you ready to take your passion for coffee to the next level? Whether you’re mastering roasting, sharpening sensory skills, or exploring new opportunities, I’m here to guide you with expert knowledge and hands-on training that transforms your potential into results.

“Non-intimidating coffee training, made fun, because you don’t need to decode the human genome to get it right.”

authorized SCA coffee trainer logo
sca coffee skills logo
Posted on Google Google
Michele Amacker profile picture
Michele Amacker
14 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I recently took the Q Grader course at Boot Coffee Campus with Valerian Hrala and had an amazing experience. Since the class was small with only eight participants, we each received valuable one-on-one time with Valerian to work through topics we were struggling with. Despite the grueling nature of the course, Valerian and his assistant made the material approachable and easy to comprehend. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in pursuing their Q certification. Having passed and received my license, I can confidently say it was well worth the investment of time and money. I look forward to reconnecting with the group when it comes time to recalibrate!
Posted on Google Google
Brandon Costner profile picture
Brandon Costner
8 August 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Valerian was a great instructor. Great campus. Cannot recommend enough Fong is a great assistant! Daniel Streetman is an amazing instructor as well
Posted on Google Google
Lixon Wang profile picture
Lixon Wang
1 August 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I was a student with Valerian Hrala for the SCA Sensory Skills Foundation, SCA Sensory Skills Intermediate, SCA Q Grader, and coffee business course. I give my fullest recommendation for Valerian as an instructor to students who are passionate about coffee, care deeply about people, and value learning in a respectful, collaborative, and welcoming environment. I entrust Valerian with furthering my coffee education firstly for his generosity with sharing his deep knowledge and experience. Coffee is a complicated subject, and having a professional guide and train your skillset is an invaluable asset. A skilled and passionate teacher, Valerian explains important ideas with clarity and emphasis, taking the time to use different teaching modalities to assist all types of learners understand and internalize important lessons. Valerian prepares and teaches with great detail and intention. As a student, you will find countless instances where his exceptional dedication and care enrich a routine exercise into a memorable learning experience. For example, to teach us how to identify roast defects, Valerian roasted cofffees himself to the standard of the SCA definition, as he found that to be higher fidelity than ready- made demonstration kits. In sensory development and olfactory description, he taught us a framework for communicating and categorizing scents and supplemented the Le Nez du Cafe kit with many other interesting scents to expand our ability to discern a wide variety of fragrances. I felt deeply moved by his dedication and commitment to our growth and success. Valerian is also a great resource for entrepreneurs establishing a coffee business. In the business course, he shares hard-earned practical advice and experience while encouraging students to exercise their creativity and individuality in their product, packaging, and marketing. I regard his mentorship as a worthwhile time and cost-saving investment, and I would recommend it to those who are serious about pursuing a successful venture in this field. Beyond that, Valerian is also a fantastic person to be around. He is approachable, honest, and humorous. In moments when student’s experience tension, fatigue, or fixation, he is a person that will give perspective and encouragement. As a result, class is always a joyful event, regardless how challenging the schedule or exercise may feel. I am grateful to find a gathering place for individuals who love both people and coffee. Valerian brings out the best of you, and you will have a great experience learning from him. I depart each course with a greater appreciation for my craft and peers, and I am sure you will too.
Posted on Google Google
Thatcher Sunday profile picture
Thatcher Sunday
2 June 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Valerian is one of those teachers that makes you forget that you're learning. He teaches people, not content. Always making it as personal and applicable as possible. Extremely down to earth and an all around wonderful person! I highly recommend learning from Valerian! You will never regret the experience of taking a class with him!
Posted on Google Google
Phuong Do profile picture
Phuong Do
25 May 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Usually people only write reviews when they have a really bad experience or a really good one. For me, taking classes with Valerian was such a good experience that I genuinely wanted to share it with others. I took my first roasting class with Valerian when I knew absolutely nothing about coffee. I came in as a blank paper, and today I have my own roasting business. I feel incredibly lucky to have learned from one of the best. Valerian is incredibly patient, never makes you feel dumb for asking questions, and somehow explains coffee in a way that just clicks. Things that felt intimidating at first became fun and exciting to learn about. I later came back to take the Q Grader course with him for the new CVA exams. I’ve heard so many people say the Q Grader is extremely difficult and stressful, so I was honestly nervous going into it. But Valerian made the whole experience surprisingly enjoyable and memorable. The course was organized so well, and every lesson built naturally into the next. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I actually found myself really enjoying the process. The Q Grader course was honestly one of the best classes I’ve ever taken. I cannot recommend Valerian enough, whether you are completely new to coffee or looking to deepen your professional knowledge.
Posted on Google Google
Yoko Cupid profile picture
Yoko Cupid
17 May 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I recently completed the new version of the Q Grader course by the Specialty Coffee Association, and it was an unforgettable experience. Before taking this course, I practiced cupping and Le Nez du Café at home, but during the course I learned how to evaluate coffee much more precisely and systematically. Triangulation was especially challenging for me at first 😱 but through the guidance and patient instruction from Valerian, I gradually gained confidence and understanding. The instruction style was supportive, detailed, and encouraging, which matched my learning style very well. Even though the course was intense and sometimes stressful, the class atmosphere felt warm and positive throughout the week. I would recommend this course to anyone serious about developing professional sensory skills in coffee. It is challenging, but incredibly rewarding. Now that I have my Q Grader certification, I hope to use these skills for my specialty coffee importing business focused on Panamanian coffee, and continue growing in the coffee industry. Thank you again, Valerian, for your kindness, guidance, and support throughout the course!
Posted on Google Google
Masoud profile picture
Masoud
19 April 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I recently completed the Coffee Roasting course at Boot Coffee and had a great experience. It gave me a much better understanding of roasting fundamentals and improved my confidence in my work. As someone working in coffee, I found the hands-on approach and Valerian’s guidance extremely valuable. Highly recommend
Posted on Google Google
Peter Hernandez profile picture
Peter Hernandez
11 February 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Amazing learning experience! I was at a mental roadblock in my business and this course cleared the way to knowing how to take my coffee business to the next level! Thank you Valerian!
Posted on Google Google
Chris Esposo profile picture
Chris Esposo
18 December 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
This course broadened my knowledge of coffee. I have never roast coffee before so it was all new to me. Valerian was very helpful and knowledgeable about the coffee culture, trend, and business. I definitely recommend this course for those who are interested in coffee roasting business.
Posted on Google Google
Emma Kuhne profile picture
Emma Kuhne
30 September 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
My mom and I both took the COFFEE ROASTING LAB PRO BUSINESS course and had an amazing experience. We started out knowing nothing about roasting, and left knowing more than most people. Valerian is such a good and inspirational teacher. I felt comfortable to ask a plethora of questions, and have them all answered in depth. The amount of knowledge I learned about coffee, roasting, and the coffee business in just five days is incredible. I also took the coffee foundations course and it was amazing as well. After these courses, I feel equipped to be a better coffee consumer, connoisseur, roaster, and to enter the coffee industry. I highly recommend going to Boot Coffee Campus and taking Valerians courses. I am excited to go back for more.
Training

Learn with Me at Boot Coffee Campus

Join me at the renowned Boot Coffee Campus, where I teach courses designed to give you real-world skills and insights:

SCA-Certified Training: Level up your skills in Coffee Roasting, Sensory Skills, and Barista Skills with courses recognized globally

Roasting Business Mastery: My custom curriculum gives you the tools to start and grow your own roasting business.

Sensory Exploration for All: Unlock the secrets of taste, smell, and flavor in courses tailored for both coffee pros and curious enthusiasts.

Why join? You’ll walk away with actionable skills, industry insights, and the confidence to excel in the coffee world.

a man and woman smiling while cupping coffee

“Non-intimidating coffee training, made fun, because you’re not recreating the Big Bang in your basement.”

new - online courses

Professional Coffee Academy

Professional Coffee Academy is a place for curious coffee professionals and passionate beginners who want to truly understand coffee. The core curriculum is based on the framework of the Specialty Coffee Association, while also expanding beyond it with the latest industry knowledge, research, and practical insights used in modern coffee businesses.

Courses cover a wide range of topics including roasting, sensory skills, brewing, barista skills, introduction to coffee, and other areas that help build a complete understanding of coffee. Lessons, exercises, and quizzes are designed to turn theory into practical knowledge you can actually use.

The academy also works very well as preparation for SCA certification exams. Students who wish to pursue certification can later register for the official SCA exams.

Right now Professional Coffee Academy is offered at a heavily discounted price while new courses are being developed and added. Joining now gives you early access to the growing platform and the opportunity to learn coffee in a structured, professional way while the academy continues to expand. ☕

coffee bean losing moisture
hire me as your trainer

Partner With Me for Coffee Education

Looking to bring professional coffee training to your team—or even just for yourself? I offer customized training worldwide tailored to your needs, whether you want to host a session at your facility or receive personalized one-on-one coaching. With flexible options and expert guidance, I’m here to help you achieve your coffee goals.

On-Site Team Training:
I’ll come to your facility to train your staff or customers, offering hands-on, professional courses designed to elevate their skills. Choose from:

SCA-Certified Training: As an SCA Authorized Trainer (AST), I provide globally recognized certifications in Coffee Roasting, Sensory Skills, and Barista Skills.

Custom Curriculum: My own courses, such as Coffee Roasting Business Training and Sensory Exploration Workshops, tailored to your team’s specific goals.

One-on-One Coaching:
Get personalized guidance to refine your skills, develop your business, or master a specific area of coffee expertise. Together, we’ll create a plan that’s all about your growth.

a man and woman standing next to a coffee roaster
Contact Form

“Non-intimidating coffee training, made fun, because you’re not explaining ice cream flavors to a deeply skeptical cat.”

*Not getting this one? You are perfect candidate for the Sensory course.

>