You know the basics. Now go deeper. The Barista Masterclass is a hands-on session focused on the finer details that separate a decent espresso from a great one. Prerequisite: Coffee Foundations class.
Grind Management and Adjustment Go beyond the basics with advanced grind dialling, dose distribution techniques, and understanding how small adjustments change the extraction outcome.
Extraction Analysis Learn to identify over-extracted, under-extracted, and perfectly balanced shots by taste, sight, and timing so you can fix problems on the spot.
Alternative Milks Understand how different milk alternatives behave under steam and how to texture them for a consistently great result.
Latte Art Refinement Get expert tips to sharpen your latte art technique, with practical guidance on pour angle, flow rate, and pattern consistency.
Small Group, Personalised Guidance Sessions are capped at 4 participants so you get genuine one-on-one time with the instructor throughout the class.
When you learn to make coffee at Merlo, you're learning from one of Australia's most experienced specialty roasters. Since 1992, Merlo has been roasting, serving, and refining coffee across 17 stores throughout Brisbane and beyond. The Barista Masterclass is where that decades of knowledge gets handed directly to you. This is not a generic barista course. It's a focused, hands-on session built to take someone who understands the basics and sharpen them into someone who makes consistently exceptional espresso.
The Masterclass picks up where Coffee Foundations leaves off. You'll spend the session working through four core areas that directly improve your espresso quality and consistency.
Dosing and distribution: Learn how precise dosing and even distribution before tamping affects extraction evenness and flavour clarity.
Grind management and adjustment: Go deeper on grind dialling, understanding how particle size changes with humidity, bean freshness, and roast profile, and how to adjust on the fly.
Extraction identification: Learn to taste and recognise the difference between over-extracted, under-extracted, and balanced shots, and understand exactly what to change to fix each one.
Alternative milks and latte art: Understand how different milk alternatives behave under steam, how to texture them properly, and get expert tips to refine your latte art technique.
The Barista Masterclass is designed for people who have already completed the Coffee Foundations class and are ready to go further. If you can pull a shot and texture milk but want to understand why things go wrong and how to fix them, this is the class for you. By the end of the session you'll troubleshoot confidently, adjust on the fly, and make consistently better coffee every single day.
| Duration | 90 to 120 minutes (depending on group size) |
| Cost | $150 per person |
| Group Size | 1 to 4 participants |
| Prerequisite | Coffee Foundations class (must be completed prior to booking) |
| Location | Merlo Coffee Training Centre, 104 McLachlan St, Fortitude Valley QLD |
| What to Bring | Nothing. All equipment, coffee, and materials are provided. |
| Cancellation Policy | 48 hours notice required for a full refund or to rebook at no extra cost. |
Liability
By purchasing any Merlo Coffee Class training sessions, you agree to take full responsibility for any damages, injuries, or physical and/or personal property issues that may occur while participating in classes and/or events.
