The characteristics of a cup is the basis of quality evaluation and is the ecosystem in which the common language is shared, and the consistency and dependability of CQI Q Graders is what makes them recognized leaders in the coffee industry. To that end CQI uses flavor training and calibration to ensure that those who hold a Q Grader certificate are encountering coffees in the same way and communicating qualities in a consistent manner.
Flavor Calibration is for Q Graders and Q Instructors
There are three CQI-specific kits to support training. You must have an account to view individual products.
FlavorActiV manufactures to pharmaceutical good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards and the compounds within their capsules impart the aroma, taste and mouthfeel of a specific defect or positive flavor into a beverage for taster training, calibration and quality control.
FlavorActiV fulfils orders directly, and inquiries about orders can be directed to cqi@flavoractiv.com.
Over the years, CQI has heard from the coffee industry and from Q Graders about concerns with global inconsistencies in practice and in coffee grades. To address these inconsistencies in training, grading results and skill-based practices, CQI has evolved the Q System to include a Calibration.
The Q Grader Certification has been a trusted system the industry for some time but has also received some valid criticisms. Many professional certifications and licenses used in the workplace require annual continuing education. The industry benefits from a scientifically based flavor calibration that can be applied consistently at the global scale, and the Q certificate holder is recognized and rewarded in the industry as having achieved a significant professional certificate one vital to the industry as a whole.
This year, CQI is launching a new tool -flavor standards- that will enable our Q Graders to not only train and calibrate on a coffee's score, but build a global language of flavors. In this way, all Q Graders will understand and agree on 14 key coffee flavors that influence quality. Q Graders will encounter these standards in two ways.
When you take the Q Grader Course -Q 5.0- it will include flavor standard instruction, testing and then retakes if necessary. This portion of the course is known as the Flavor Standard Exam. When it is complete you will be able to:
In a flavor calibration, all Q graders will be tested on a random 6 of the 14 CQI Flavor Standards. They will be asked to identify 4 of the 6 flavors correctly to pass their flavor calibration. FLAVOR EDUCATION IS A PART OF THE CALIBRATION COURSE, BUT IS NOT GRADED AT THIS TIME.
Every three years, Q Graders will need to attend an in-person Coffee Calibration Course - as currently exists – that will now include ungraded flavor calibration training.
Currently licensed Q Graders will participate in flavor calibrations in their every three-year Q Calibration, but on a practice basis. To further prepare for the Flavor Calibration, you can train independently or choose to take a preparatory class to gain familiarity with the CQI Flavor Standards. CQI has already released classes which utilize and train on these flavor standards.
Flavor Calibration activites are not species specific.
As is always true, CQI will work with our community on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Education Coordinator Laura Ruleman at info@coffeeinstitute.org for further information.
Links to products and instructions on how to open an account are below.
