Strange Coffee Workshop @ Chica Bean

I am Brian Babcock, owner of Strange Coffee Company in the New River Valley of Virginia, USA. I am a Q grader and Quality Evaluation Lecturer, coffee roaster, and former volunteer with Farmer to Farmer.

Twenty years ago when I began learning how to roast coffee, I was fortunate to be involved with a couple of regional coffee roasting groups of coffee professionals in the United States. We held annual informal weekend trainings and networking events and even had a couple of coffee origin trips. These opportunities were essential to my career in coffee. I have met many amazing people at these events. Some of them might even admit knowing me and still talk to me when we cross paths.

I find myself missing those weekends. I enjoy going to the annual trade show but it’s overwhelming at times. I crave a weekend spent with friends old and new,…