Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Boot Coffee Campus in San Rafael

4.8 (95) 619 Lindaro St, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States

Categories

Training school
Business management consultant

Location on the map

San Rafael, Marin County, California, US

Phone: +1 888-814-4347
Site: http://bootcoffee.com/

Opening hours

Monday:8:30 AM–4 PM
Tuesday:8:30 AM–4 PM
Wednesday:8:30 AM–4 PM
Thursday:8:30 AM–4 PM
Friday:8:30 AM–4 PM
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.8

95 Reviews for Boot Coffee Campus 2024:

Review №1

2024-03-17 19:50:54

Roasting with Valerian was a fantastic experience. He is incredibly knowledgeable about roasting coffee, and the coffee business. As a seasoned coffee, roaster professional, Valerian taught the course, adding a personal touch coming from his experience as a roast master. He made sure that student always had enough time To practice and experience roasting coffee. Boot Campus It’s also well equipped with enough roaster to have plenty of time of practice for each student. I recommend taking courses and classes at Boot and with Valerian as instructor.

Review №2

2024-03-16 18:13:05

The cost of a training course is often less than the personal cost of setting aside the time to attend and learn. The quality of the instructor is what determines the quality of the investment. I attended a weeklong training course on starting a Coffee Roasting Business, taught by Valerian Hrala. Valerians ability to transfer his knowledge and experience is impressive. He worked with each student based on their ability to make certain that everyone left with a new and improved set of skills. The course covered coffee evaluation skills, coffee roasting skills, and coffee business skills. These are vastly different topics. Valerian is supported by a classroom designed to do nothing but teach these things. Learning sensory skills requires a large, darkened room with tables and cups, all laid out and supervised by a coffee cupping expert. Learning roasting skills requires a variety of coffee roasting machines designed to do sample roasts as well as the larger production sized roasters. And learning business skills requires a classroom with a large display and comfortable seating. When I first saw the term Boot Coffee Campus, it amused me by the grandeur of the self-reference - but - gosh - that is without question what I experienced. Valerian brought it all together into a quality learning experience that was worth much more than my time. Even if you have many years of experience working with and around coffee, I think you will still find this course a worthwhile investment.

Review №3

2024-02-13 15:42:49

Great class on Introduction to Coffee. Valerian was a fantastic instructor, happy to answer questions, asks great questions and ensures we came out of the class educated. Can’t wait to take another class!!

Review №4

2023-08-07 20:18:41

I had an amazing experience at Boot Coffee, and I couldnt be happier with the Coffee Roasting BIZ – Start Your Coffee Business course! As the proud owner of The Caffeine Spot, attending this course was a game-changer for my business.Our instructor, Valerian, was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also passionate about coffee, which made the learning process enjoyable and engaging. The training facilities were top-notch, providing us with the perfect environment to dive deep into the world of coffee roasting.Throughout the course, I acquired valuable insights into the coffee business, from roasting techniques to understanding market trends. The hands-on approach allowed me to put theory into practice, and I can confidently say that I am now equipped with the necessary skills to take The Caffeine Spot to new heights.Boot Coffees guidance and support have been invaluable in helping me refine my existing business and expand my offerings. I am eager to apply my new knowledge and expertise to enhance the coffee experience for my customers.I highly recommend Boot Coffees courses to anyone looking to excel in the coffee industry. With the knowledge I gained and the support of Valerian and the Boot Coffee team, I am excited about the future of The Caffeine Spot!

Review №5

2023-10-02 22:27:40

If youre going to dive into the business of coffee, learn from people who have deep knowledge, success in the industry, and--maybe most importantly--an open mind. Valerian Hrala fits the bill perfectly. Valerian is the Boot Coffee pro who led our coffee-roasting course in September 2023. He has studied trends in the industry (and talks about them on his podcast, Coffee is ME), started and sold roasteries both in the U.S. and abroad, and despite his experience and success remains open to new ideas and innovative approaches.During our week-long course, every day began with an expert brew from Boot Coffees Ground Control brewer. This made Boot Coffee easily the best spot for coffee in town despite the relatively high number of coffee shops in downtown San Rafael (most of which I visited at least once). Early in the week, Valerian led lectures and discussions each morning followed by roasting in small groups later in the day. Later in the week, our group talked through the challenges and benefits of roasting coffee professionally, and even participants with prior experience in the business took away tips sure to help level up their games.As one highlight at the end of the week, Valerian turned us loose to roast a batch (or two, or three) for ourselves--a special Geisha coffee that I cant wait to enjoy at home. If youre considering coffee roasting as a career or even a side-hustle, I highly recommend this course, and Ill be taking advantage of other courses that Boot offers as soon as possible.

Review №6

2024-02-22 23:39:32

I recently had the incredible opportunity to take a coffee roasting course at Boot Coffee, and it was nothing short of transformative. From the outset, the course was engaging, deeply informative, and meticulously organized to cover all the essential aspects of coffee roasting. However, what truly set this experience apart was our instructor, Valerian.Valerian was not just a teacher; he was a mentor who brought a wealth of knowledge and passion to every session. His approach to teaching was both attentive and inspiring, ensuring that each of us not only understood the concepts but also felt the excitement of the coffee roasting process. His expertise was evident in every lesson, as he navigated through complex topics with ease and clarity, making learning both accessible and enjoyable.What I particularly appreciated about Valerian was his ability to customize parts of the program to suit my specific needs and interests. This personalized touch made the learning experience feel tailored just for me, allowing me to delve deeper into areas I was curious about and enhancing my understanding of the coffee roasting craft.Valerians dedication to his students was unmatched. He was always available for questions, going above and beyond to ensure we had the support and resources we needed to succeed. His enthusiasm for coffee roasting was contagious, and it was clear he genuinely cared about our learning and development.I cannot recommend this course and Valerian highly enough. Whether youre new to coffee roasting or looking to deepen your existing skills, this program offers an unparalleled learning experience that is both comprehensive and deeply enriching. Valerians expertise and personalized teaching approach will undoubtedly elevate your understanding and passion for coffee roasting.For anyone considering a coffee roasting course, Boot Coffee, under Valerians guidance, is an exceptional choice.

Review №7

2022-10-31 16:11:47

Memorable and most importantly educational experience. Mr. Boot was very welcoming and responsive. Valerian Hrala was an amazing teacher. He promised to teach us how to roast in a few days and he delivered on that promise. The class was informative and fun. Valerian was light hearted and professional at the same time. I would highly recommend the roasting course.

Review №8

2024-03-18 19:09:06

I came to Boot Coffee Campus to further my knowledge and understanding of what coffee can and should be. From the start, Valerian demonstrated such a high level of caring, knowledge, and patience. Coming from YouTube university, the thought of a professional course was intimidating. The actual experience, however, was anything but. I came away refreshed, reminded that there are many paths to a wonderful cup! I would highly recommend Boot Coffee Campus, not only for coffee industry professionals, but for any coffee enthusiast.

Review №9

2021-10-27 01:37:39

I loved my experience on the Boot Coffee Campus. I took two sensory SCA courses and also their Roast Lab Pro. Valerian and Dan are amazing people with a lot of knowledge to share. Also, they invited interesting people on the industry to a couple of classes, that business focus was really cool.More than a curriculum, it was a learning experience out of conversations and experiments, which I enjoyed a lot!Recommended for coffee professionals and people getting into coffee. I am definitely coming back in the future.If you worry about COVID, please dont. They test students and people in the lab, its a safe space to be.

Review №10

2023-09-29 21:41:58

Very few times in my life have I been so absolutely floored by an experience. This isn’t just a coffee lab. It’s a high speed masterclass of all things coffee related. It’s an incubator and propagation station for coffee professionals and aspiring professionals alike.Valerian is such a warm and knowledgeable instructor that I hope to never becomes a stranger. I really can’t recommend this campus enough. I only wish there was one in AZ.

Review №11

2022-10-03 22:01:12

Recently took the Coffee Roasting Business PRO Lab. I would recommend taking courses here for ANY coffee professional. Valerian made learning fun and productive. I genuinely feel like I have a building blocks to build a roasting business after this course. Also, their online learning library is helpful as well. I will be returning to take another course soon.

Review №12

2021-12-16 19:42:35

Courses are very hands on and this people are great. I took this course:INTENSIVE COFFEE ROASTING BUSINESS COURSE FOR ASPIRING COFFEE ENTREPRENEURSThe course was awesome. Valerian helped me to settle down with a good roasting philosophy and great bussines insides.If you are planing to start a coffee roaster soon you must get this course.

Review №13

2023-10-04 04:09:14

Did a week long coffee business/Roasting class with Valerian last week, as a novice in the coffee world i was a bit nervous as what to expect. Valerian did a awesome job in breaking down the basics to the people who (like Me) needed the info broken down a bit further and a great job in keeping the more experience folks engaged as well. By the end of the week i felt way more knowable able and comfortable in the theory and practice of roasting coffee. I will be back for sure to take more classes and expand my knowledge of coffee.

Review №14

2021-10-25 22:42:43

I came here for the Coffee Roasting Lab Pro Business course knowing nothing about anything, other than loving coffee, and building a cafe. On Monday I had many doubts, and lacked confidence that I would really learn anything that would truly help me. By Friday, it was like the clouds of doubts parted and the light of knowledge was shined down. Thank you so much Valerian!! I have so much more confidence in my vision now. From how the cafe will be operated, to the online presence, and how to roast the green coffee that will be used. I’m so very thankful for your awesome, AWESOME hands on teaching style and dry sense of humor.

Review №15

2023-02-25 20:37:23

Me and my husband both took the intro and roasting classes. Valerian made the classes enjoyable and open to discussion. The group was also made of interesting and smart cohort. We look forward to taking more courses and collaborating with boot coffee! Ning & Gus

Review №16

2023-09-20 18:50:38

We were lucky enough to get into the Bean to Bar workshop, where we learned to roast, process, and finally temper and pour the chocolate! It was an absolutely incredible experience, and we cannot wait to put it into practice!Valerian is a incredible instructor--funny, informative, and incredibly helpful. He works with everyone in the class to ensure they are getting any questions answered while still keeping things on track and moving forward with the agenda. We had an amazing group of people that we were able to meet from all over the world, and the environment fostered and encouraged us all to collaborate and grow close.I could not recommend this or any of the other courses more. It isnt just an educational class--its an entire experience that will really make an impact on your life! Thank you so much Valerian!! Cant wait to come back for more courses!

Review №17

2023-11-22 04:48:27

Going thru Boot Coffee Campus has been an amazing, professional growing experience. I started by taking Coffee Pro, the courses and videos provided a plethora of information for anyone interested on immersing in the vast coffee world. My end goal was to get Q- grader certified, for what I decided to enroll in both Sensory Modules followed by Q-grading classes and examinations.I wasnt really sure what to expect, but after reading most of the blogs I knew becoming a Q-grader wasnt going to be easy.Sensory classes with Valerian were eye opening, I thought I knew some about coffee sensory, but Valerian sure taught me there was a lot more to learn about. He went the xtra mile for us involved in the modules to understand coffee sensory. Once done with these two modules, we moved into our Q- grading course.So much information to process, constant testing and practices make your senses spin like a tornado. Willem Boot taught the vast majority of the course, but it is imperative to mention that both Willem and Valerian choreographed all classes in such a way we had the time to digest and fully understand their lectures.Examinations of course brought the stress factor to a higher level, but at all times both instructors made sure we felt confident.Thank you Willem Boot and Valerian Hrala, it has been quite a ride, one for the books, cant wait to return for more quality Coffee Roasting training.Till next time,Ramon

Review №18

2023-07-31 01:04:14

I recently had the pleasure of attending a coffee roasting class that surpassed all my expectations. Valerians expertise and passion for coffee roasting were evident from the moment the class began. His deep knowledge of the subject and willingness to share his secrets and tips made the class all the more engaging. The class was very interactive, incorporating hands-on activities that allowed us to practice our newly acquired roasting skills on top-of-the-line assets and equipment.In conclusion, I highly recommend it to any coffee enthusiast or aspiring roaster.

Review №19

2023-10-02 17:25:39

Went to Boot for the Roasting Business course with expectations to learn what I need to do to open a roasting business and more importantly roast coffee.Our instructor Valerian did a tremendous job going over exactly what you need. Having taken a roasting course before, I went in with a little knowledge about roasting however if you are a complete beginner, he teaches you everything necessary to succeed in roasting. He provides a fun learning environment and can really explain complex ideas in laymens terms.Here are some pros and cons from the course in my opinion...Pros-- Great learning environment, tons practice roasting and equipment to utilize for any type of coffee course offered.- Extensive knowledge and teaching about other aspects in coffee that are necessary to roasting and business.- Has a very approachable and easy to learn from teaching style and attitude. Very welcoming and friendly environment.Cons-- Wanted to taste and cup more of the coffee we roasted.Overall a fantastic class with great people and super solid instructor who kept the class entertaining and enjoyable. I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn about coffee roasting and business.

Review №20

2022-11-08 17:23:18

Boot Coffee’s Roasting course in Oct ‘22 was hands-down the best course I’ve ever attended! Valerian is clearly an expert of his craft and a wonderful Instructor. His approach provides a comprehensive understanding of Coffee Roasting principles/ techniques with enough hands-on to develop muscle memory on multiple Roasting machines. It’s rare to find an instructor that also knows how to make Learning FUN!I came in as a Novice and now feel completely comfortable to start my own coffee roasting business.A Huge Thanks to Valerian and the Boot Coffee Team !Paula C

Review №21

2023-11-22 18:20:42

I took the Q grader course at Boot Coffee Campus and I loved it! I learned a lot from these great and knowledgeable instructors. Im a bad test taker, I have high anxiety when taking test and I really felt supported by Willem & Valerian. It feels like theyre invested in your success!

Review №22

2023-07-19 20:05:54

I took the one week foundation course with Valerian at Boot Coffee Campus in July and had a very good experience. The instruction, hands on demonstrations and learnings, equipment and all the facilities were 5 stars. Course content was very interesting and i walked out of a one week course feeling much more knowledgable and confident about everything from basic coffee knowledge, to roasting to practical drink making and milk steaming. They even squeezed in a quick latte art making session that was fun. I highly recommend the course, Valerian and the Boot Coffee Campus to any students

Review №23

2023-01-23 16:08:44

Just completed SCA Foundations week at Boot Coffee with Valerian and Dan and cannot speak highly enough of them! Both Valerian and Dan are passionate, coffee-experts and fantastic teachers. The courses are very hands on and engaging. Both instructors also tailored course objectives to meet the goals of the students in the class. Regardless of your experience level, you will learn about coffee and have a ton of fun doing it!

Review №24

2023-07-01 14:31:52

As a beginner in the world of specialty coffee I wasnt sure what to expect on my Introduction to Coffee class and I can say I was very fortunate to find the most friendly and welcoming environment to learn with the kindest instructor out there, Valerian doesnt hesitate to answer any questions you have and he is open to help you on your path to coffee knowledge, the atmosphere of the class surpassed any expectations I could have and Im looking forward to my next visit! thank you for everything :)

Review №25

2023-06-27 04:42:17

I visited Boot Coffee after reading the Monk of Mokha and was instantly convinced that I need to take a few courses here. I have taken Sensory, Roasting Biz, and Q grader courses with them. Valerian, the course director, has a wealth of knowledge from his roasting businesses and happily shares it through his teachings. He cares for the progress of all students and is completely invested in our success. For the Q, Willem has been teaching the course since years and he does a great job at calming the nerves. The Q course is a stressful 6 days but both Valerian and Willem are there for you throughout the process. Overall, I would definitely recommend taking courses with Boot and if you are giving the Q exam, would urge you to take the sensory courses as they help immensely for the Q course.

Review №26

2023-05-22 23:16:24

I spent two days with Valerian learning the beginnings of the coffee roasting process and business. I would recommend spending time with Valerian if youre interested in coffee roasting and I plan to head back to the Boot Coffee Campus to learn more sometime in the future.

Review №27

2023-06-20 14:48:37

Hello Everyone. Recently took a few courses at BOOT Coffee. Introduction to Coffee and Sensory Foundations and Intermediate. There is my commence: the school well organized and equipped with professional approach for sure. Valerian is the best person in coffee education. A lot of information, fun and practical skills. Every morning we start with a delicious cup of coffee -La Mula and other kinds / varieties. Highly RECOMMEND TO ATTEND THIS SCHOOL FOR EDUCATION AND ADVICES. As for me Im planning to take a few more corses during this year.Victor Garvey from Toronto.

Review №28

2021-06-29 22:54:13

Staff knowledge is excellent and their teaching style lends it lself well to both coffee professionals and amateurs. Fun, informative, and prepares you well for entering the coffee business. Theyve done it all and are eager to share their knowledge of bean production, roasting cupping, and go-to-market strategies!

Review №29

2023-07-03 01:44:09

Taking courses at Boot was an amazing experience for someone wanting to understand coffee end-to-end. Learning from experienced instructors in person is energizing in a way that self-paced online learning cant match, and doing so in a coffee lab as well-equipped as Boot was even better because they had so many different coffees and teaching aids available that I often got to experience things instead of just hearing about them.When you walk into the lab, the first thing you see is a coffee tree. When I took my classes here, the tree was both flowering and carrying ripe fruit (coffee cherries). Learning about how coffee is produced and processed while touching a real coffee tree made me feel closer to the process of production than I ever expected to get.Valerian and Willem were excellent instructors, who were both deeply knowledgable about all aspects of coffee as well as seasoned teachers. Not only did they make sure I learned the material, but they built up my confidence along the way, which was a huge deal for me as I didnt come from a professional coffee background.Aside from the course content, I wanted to call out two other things I appreciated about the experience:1. I loved that the coffees they served us before, after, and during class were finer than most of the expensive single-origin pour-overs Id bought at cafes. Its a pretty unique flex to serve La Mula and La Cabra for breakfast.2. I met so many passionate coffee folks doing awesome things in coffee not only in the Bay Area, but around the world. I dont think I wouldve had the chance to make so many personal and professional connections in coffee otherwise.

Review №30

2023-06-17 23:25:52

I had a great experience at Boot Coffee doing my SCA foundations and intermediate sensory certification. The trainer was professional and knowledgeable, and took time to make sure no student was left behind. If you love coffee, then you’ll love Boot. Cheers!

Review №31

2023-10-12 03:10:30

This was my 2nd class at the Boot Coffee Campus, and what a great 2nd class it was! Valerian Hrala is an incredible instructor/teacher/mentor. Not only did we spend 3 days talking roast theory, practical roasting exercises, triangulation of different roasts, tasting etc. but having 2 additional days to talk not only about opening a business in roasting, but a coffee business in general was priceless. Valerian, having 2 of his own roasting businesses since 2001, brings real world knowledge, marketing strategies, brand strategies, sales strategies, a fantastic calculator; I could go on and on, but I would hate to ruin all the surprises for a new student. This class was not only loads of fun, but a real eye-opener as far as all the information you leave with. All in all, 5 stars do not do this course justice!!!! I cant think of a better place to learn all things coffee other than Boot Coffee Campus!! Thanks again for another incredible week!

Review №32

2022-05-21 22:29:55

My experience at Boot Coffee has been 100% positive. I took Intro to Coffee, Roasting Foundations, Roasting Intermediate, Sensory Foundations and Roast Profiling. Willem, Valerian, Dan and Marcus were all excellent instructors. Theres nothing like getting hands on experience and it was fun to meet other coffee nerds. These classes are great for anyone wanting to advance their knowledge and skills in the coffee industry.

Review №33

2022-10-05 17:01:56

I took the coffee roasting biz course and it was a great experience. The instructor (Valerian) was skilled, knowledgeable and personable. He answered all my questions in a straight forward manner and made coffee roasting approachable. The course was rooted in real world experience and not just regurgitating a book. I enjoyed the hands on approach and the thought provoking challenges to achieve the desired roast profiles. Fun, insightful and highly valuable. I will be returning for other courses in the future.

Review №34

2023-03-13 20:06:17

Attended my very first Boot Coffee class for the Foundations Barista Class and it was everything I was looking for any more. It gave me the basics I needed to create an espresso and steam my milk. It also, made me want to continue learning about espresso and coffee in general by taking more classes. The instructor, Valerian Hrala was very knowledgeable, helpful and provided an exciting class that made learning fun.

Review №35

2022-06-15 02:42:12

I attended the SCA Sensory and Q-Grader courses. I was amazed by the quality of information and knowledge of the instructors. The attention to detail and expertise they shared was of a high standard. What I appreciated most is that the instructors really wanted to make sure you learn and practice a lot. It was a rich experience full of knowledge and fun! After researching other facilities, I am really happy I found Boot.Thank you, Willem, Valerian, and Dan! You all are amazing.

Review №36

2022-08-22 19:22:47

Great instructors and great people. I enjoyed every minute of the classes. I thought I knew enough about coffee, but not until I took the courses which turns out Coffee is not just a caffeinated drink. It is community, friendship, networking, gathering. Valerian and Daniel Were booth great. Will sign up for more classes soon. Gotta try the bean to bar workshop.

Review №37

2023-09-19 13:21:39

This was an excellent course, truly hands on course where students were able to get as involved in the process as everyone wanted. Aside from all the shared information, the course included many different chocolate bars for students to taste and evaluate under proper guidance. I 100% recommend anyone interested in cacao, chocolate and the bean to bar movement to take this course.

Review №38

2023-10-02 19:44:11

This was a week long hands-on course in making bean to bar craft chocolate. We learned about sensory analysis and chocolate tasting, about roasting, cracking, winnowing, roasting, grinding/melanging, conching, tempering and molding. A lot of effort goes into making a chocolate bar and thats not including all the work that the farmer does at origin. Valerian made the work fun but also made sure we learned. We made six different kinds of bars and had plenty to take home with us. We also tasted an infinity of craft chocolate bars from around the world and had an in depth visit to the Dandelion Chocolate Factory in San Francisco. All in all well worth it and I came away with all the knowledge I needed to get into trouble making chocolate at home. Recommended.

Review №39

2022-04-12 22:33:43

If you are looking for any sort of training in the world of coffee, this is the place to go. I have taken courses with Willem, Valerian, and Dan. They all have a large knowledge base. All three were patient instructors who insured that everyone understood the information before ever moving on. It can be inspiring to be around people who care so much about what they are doing. I am glad I have had chances to learn at Boot Coffee Campus. I intend to return for more.

Review №40

2022-11-16 05:29:57

My partner Simon and I are starting up a Roastery/tasting house in Revelstoke,BC. We travelled to San Rafael for a 3 day course ( SCA foundation +intermediate) and we absolutely loved the experience.Valerian was so knowledgeable and gave us so much of his time to answer business and coffee related questions we had. We got to roast all 3 afternoon and feel like we left with so much useful information.The teaching was professional whilst being personable, it was awesome to share our passion for coffee with other likeminded people. We wish we can be back in the near future for more learning, as well as tasting some more chocolate & wine ;)Izzy & Simon

Review №41

2023-07-31 13:28:50

We visited this campus for roasting class. It was unforgettable experience! I strongly recommend this course for those who wants to dive into the industry of coffee!Velerian is greatest teacher I have ever met!Very resourceful, knowledgeable and experienced!Will definitely visit this campus for more courses and knowledge updates!Victor and MaksymOROSI team!

Review №42

2023-01-26 17:54:21

It was such a mind opening. Ive learned a lot and tasted a lot of good coffee. These classes werent just for people who want to work in the coffee industry but for whoever loves/wants to have a good cup of coffee to start your day. I thought I knew what the good coffee is until I came to the class. Thank you Valerian and Dan for such a good experience. Ill see you again soon

Review №43

2022-03-15 13:04:13

Last week I did the Coffee Roasting BIZ and to be honest it was all I needed! We went through the right amount of theory, practice and business data. Its great if you are like me, a coffee passionate that wants to get into the business but doesnt know much about the industry. It teaches you all you need to get started. I may have liked a little bit more of roasting practice (since I was the newby there in comparison to my classmates) but its great that you can always book extra hours to do that the day after the training. I def recommend this course!We also had a great time, Valerian our trainer is just the best!

Review №44

2023-03-27 20:22:44

The coffee introduction training was great. The right training for individuals who want to start learning more about this topic. Valerian did a awesome job teaching us more about coffee!

Review №45

2022-02-08 05:33:12

My business partner & I wanted to learn more about the coffee from bean to cup. or in some ways.. beyond the cup. We felt gated from industry knowledge so finding Boot Coffee was a dream come true. We ended up taking the Sensory Basics, Sensory Intermediate and the Q Grader Course and Exam.MANY positive things to say.Marcus Young taught all the Sensory courses and Willem Boot lead the Q Grader Course and Exam. Both the Instructors were super knowledgeable and did their best to make content engaging and applicable.Theres no question that both are some of the leading experts in the industry.One of our favorite faces we got to see every day was the Campus Director, Valerian. He was very welcoming, super knowledgable, and really cared about our ability to understand the materials. He was our guardian angel and greatest support system.We cant wait to take more classes with Boot Coffee Campus!!

Review №46

2022-03-21 17:46:30

Boot Coffee has been exceptional to work with. I am in Florida, and chose Boot Coffees consultation services and Valerian has been an incredible resource in how to better structure my business. The wealth of knowledge he and the crew at Boot have is extremely helpful in how to stand out in this highly competitive industry. I look forward to working more with Boot Coffee, and hopefully Ill make it into the roasting lab for more education soon! Cheers

Review №47

2022-02-13 19:11:05

I had an incredible week @ Boot taking the Q exam. Willem and Valerian are some of the most deeply knowledgeable coffee professionals in the world, and it was deeply rewarding to learn with them!I recommend Boot’s coffee classes for students of all levels. They are thoughtful, patient teachers with a lifetime of experience.

Review №48

2021-12-19 02:32:22

I was hesitant to travel all to take a coffee roasting biz class, but it was completely worth it! I gain so much confidence in my roasting skills and business of roasting. Valerian has been the best instructor ever. He has to a of knowledge inroasting and experience in business that is invaluable. He totally deliver on the class goals.

Review №49

2022-03-16 20:41:17

I just finished up the 4-day Roasting Lab Pro course with Valerian last Friday 3/11/22. I was very nervous that I wasn’t going to “belong” as I am pretty new to the Specialty Coffee industry, but as soon as I walked through the front door I felt like I was finally “at home”. The education I received and experience I gained are both equally invaluable and vital to pursuing my passion, and our group was so awesome. The sense of community that coffee naturally embodies was definitely present at all times. Valerian’s teaching style guarantees retention; we were given campus-provided, online courses/materials to study prior to beginning the course, he shared his in-depth knowledge and experience, then released us into the wild but remained by our sides, providing guidance and assistance without hesitation. We were also able to participate in an interview (and Podcast recording!!!!) with the owner of a local roastery/coffee company to get tips and encouragement for our own endeavors, which really made me feel more at ease with my decision to embark on my own coffee roasting/business journey at full throttle. It made me realize that this is way more of a reality than a dream, and that it is actually attainable.Thank you Valerian and Boot Coffee Campus for one of the best experiences of my life; I am eternally grateful and I can’t wait to return!!! I will be back for more courses VERY SOON!!!

Review №50

2021-10-18 18:20:36

Wrapped up the Roasting Pro Lab Business course last week with Valerian! What an incredible experience, learning from such a knowledgeable expert in the coffee industry. We covered a wide range of topics over the week all the way from green beans, roasting to the various business opportunities in the industry, which the group and I found very practical. There was a good balance of theory, expert presentations/speakers, and practice time on the roasters. Planning to take some more courses in the future. Thanks Steven

Review №51

2021-09-30 19:14:43

Want an amazing experience this place was! For those who are interested in learning about coffee, look no further than Boot Coffee Campus. I took the SCA Intro to Coffee Course, Beginner Roasting Course, and Intermediate Roasting Course and they were all so helpful. All the teachers were so knowledgeable and having the opportunity to have hands on experience made such a difference in learning. Everyone there was very friendly and it was interesting to see that all the students attending came from all walks of life. I’m definitely coming back for more classes in the future!

Review №52

2022-09-26 21:38:45

I recently took the Introduction to Sensory Science class at Boot Coffee Campus in San Rafael, California. The class organization and teaching quality was excellent. The content was focused, practical, and hands on. I recommend this class to you if you are at all interested in improving your coffee cupping skills. Really useful and well done.

Review №53

2023-02-20 15:08:17

I had the opportunity to take Q-Arabica Combo with Willem as class instructor and Valerian as asst. instructor. They were both generous with their time and helped each student. I highly recommend taking your Q here because the instruction offered here is holistic and essential for a career in specialty coffee.

Review №54

2023-01-23 15:49:44

Recently took a week of courses here with Valerian and Dan. Both instructors were great and very knowledgeable. Plenty of resources for everyone from beginners to professionals. Everyone was very personable and friendly, can not recommend the Boot campus enough!!

Review №55

2021-11-10 08:28:42

Ive visited the boot coffee campus twice, once in 2019 and again in 2021.The amount of experience and information I received each time I took a course there was incredible. Willem Boot and Valerian Hrala are two of the top mentors in the speciality coffee industry; theyre highly helpful and always go out of their way to provide the best experience and information to their students. There, I had the time of my life. I will definitely return for other classes in the future.

Review №56

2022-08-22 19:25:22

It was a lovely experience! This class shows how coffee is grown, roasted and brought to your local grocery store and coffee shop.Valerian and Daniel were great instructors . I will definitely retake some of these classes again .

Review №57

2021-09-12 20:46:55

The coffee Pro online course is an amazing educational experience. I learned so much in such a short amount of time because the teachers are so good and passionate about what they do. Boot Coffee Campus offers such great coffee education at an affordable price….so worth your time and money!! Thank you Valerian for helping me get started.-Corey

Review №58

2023-06-24 18:29:04

I really enjoyed Learning during a week, Valerian is patient, charismatic, cognitive and great trainer. I also met amazing people in the Industry and share experiences and dreams. Thank you!

Review №59

2022-02-03 04:24:09

After months of researching SCA certified courses across the US (including Seattle, Texas, Chicago, and a handful of others) I chose Boot Coffee Campus because they seemed professional, knowledgeable, experienced and had a learning environment most related to postsecondary school. After spending a week with Marcus and Valerian, I couldn’t be more pleased!I came to Boot Coffee Campus as a complete novice from Minneapolis. My class of 6 was comprised of a mixed range of experiences and diverse backgrounds from all over the world. This was incredibly enriching and speaks volumes to how far the Campus’ reputation reaches. The course was hands-on and we not only learned the about artisan craft that go into producing a specialty bean, but we also learned how to objectively analyze, taste, and grade coffee. I was impressed with how scientific coffee was, our lessons incorporated: math (measuring to SCA standards), statistics and probability (quality assurance), analytics (consumer testing and marketing), chemistry, and biology.This was such an amazing experience. I was honored to learn from industry experts that had professional knowledge and experience, combined with real passion and love for coffee. I am inspired to grow my knowledge and start a business! I will most definitely return for continued certifications and the business development courses!

Review №60

2023-12-20 03:17:04

Spent a super informative week at Boot taking the Coffee Roasting Biz course. I liked it so much that Im going to go back for the Sensory courses as well. Highly recommended!

Review №61

2017-06-15 15:29:43

Legendary coffee school in lovely San Rafael, California. The USA home of Panama la Mula Geisha by Willem Boot

Review №62

2022-05-26 04:43:31

People come from all over the world to take classes... and its in my backyard. Dan and Valerian are great people with deep experience, patience and a willingness to share their knowledge. Im grateful that I was able to take the Coffee Roasting course and I cant wait to put my new found knowledge in to practice.

Review №63

2021-05-30 14:58:22

I was reading Norma’s review and I did not find Willem “a pretentious instructor” and I did like the extra information and examples provided by Willem. Anytime I had a question, Valerian was happy to clarify the content. My first attempt to pass the Coffee PRO certification exam failed. Before my next attempt, I scheduled a call with Valerian and he clarified the questions I’ve missed. They dont mention this on their website, but this is a free consultation, make use of it! 🙂 All this for $500? Where else do you get this? Today I am a proud owner of the Coffee PRO certificate and hoping to visit Boot Camps for some live training.

Review №64

2021-05-30 17:12:37

When I decided to make a career change into the world of coffee, Boot Coffee Campus was the perfect place to prepare me! I have taken several of the SCA Coffee Skills Program courses at Boot, and the level of education I received was wonderful! Even throughout the business closures during the pandemic, they were very creative in coming up with great live virtual courses. The business related courses they offer have been instrumental as I have come into my new role as CEO in an established roasting business, Unleashed Coffee.I am also a huge fan of the Coffee Pro courses they offer! There is a lot of great information in the courses and the fact that I can log in at times that are convenient for me, is perfect! The Coffee Pro membership is great because I can log in anytime and revisit any of the curriculum whenever I need a refresher on specific topics!I cant say enough good things about the Boot Coffee Campus and Coffee Pro programs! I couldnt be happier I found these resources!Kelly Abbott, CEOUnleashed Coffee Co LLC

Review №65

2018-07-30 22:30:32

Took one of Boot Coffees week long roasting courses. It was a wonderful class and covered all the essentials for a new roasting like myself, including a session on overall basic coffee knowledge. The more advanced roasters in the class also seemed to learn a lot. Marcus and Willem are engaging and passionate individuals focused on making your skills in coffee as refined as possible.

Review №66

2024-02-01 04:06:25

Great class. I enjoyed the experience and learned a lot. I set up my roaster right after the class and was able to apply a lot of what I had learned. Thanks again!

Review №67

2020-11-21 22:47:02

I took the Elements of Roast Profiling class with Marcus at Boot coffee which was a great experience and really helped me get off to a good start as a new roaster. Not only was the class great, but I was able to connect with fellow local roasters through the class which has been helpful for comparing notes and sharing in larger quantity green bean purchases. Highly recommended.

Review №68

2020-11-24 00:47:33

I took the Roast Business Fundamental webinar course with Marcus in September. I highly recommend this course for anybody looking to get into the coffee business or anyone who is already in the coffee industry. I’m going to be signing up for future classes and can’t wait to learn more with Boot Coffee and their online courses through Coffeecampus.com. Overall I would rate my experience a 10 out of 10!

Review №69

2022-01-20 21:43:44

The trainers at Boot Coffee Campus were excellent. The coffee lab was a great place to gain experience, learn about equipment, and try out different techniques. I definitely recommend attending as many classes as possible.

Review №70

2020-11-26 00:02:58

I took Roasting Business Foundation with Marcus. I recommend this course for all those who plans to start a business in roastings. Marcus will guide you through all the process explaining all essential theories in Coffee, roasting and in business. he will help you to calculate the required capital investment. After this course you can schedule an online ( one to one ) session where you can explore your plan with more details.

Review №71

2022-02-02 20:32:27

I cant say enough positive things about my experience at Boot Coffee campus. The team (Valerian & Marcus) were both incredibly knowledgeable, helpful and friendly, and Id strongly recommend anyone considering investing in coffee education to choose the team at Boot!

Review №72

2022-03-29 21:29:55

I took the Q Arabica Grader Combo Course and to just say that I learned so much would be a complete understatement. An eye opening and transformative experience. Not for the weak of heart or mind. Happy to say I earned the title of Licensed Q Grader with the very best in the game. Thank you to Willem, Valerian and Josh for helping me on my way to becoming the coffee professional that I dream and strive to become. 10/10!

Review №73

2020-03-05 01:08:32

I was able to take the Intro to Coffee and Barista Foundations course here March 2nd and 3rd 2020 with Marcus and Maggie.Marcus was clearly a master in coffee and was able to proficiently guide me through the intro to coffee course. I was lucky enough to have a 1 on 1 experience that helped me get every single question on my mind, answered. This course gave me the confidence I needed to further my career in the Coffee world.Maggie was kind enough to be teaching my Barista Foundations course that moved forward from the Intro to Coffee course the previous day. I learned all about the process to craft a quality pull of espresso and the basics of creating steamed milk with foam.Their guidance helped me pass the SCA courses.Thank you very much Marcus and Maggie.-Bryan

Review №74

2018-07-22 00:32:10

Just finished a week long SCA coffee roasting class here. The place is setup perfectly for the class which included cupping/tasting, quality control methods, significant hands on roasting time, and great lecture from both Marcus and Willem. I came away feeling very confident to begin using my new roaster and opening my new business.

Review №75

2021-10-24 21:37:36

I can’t say enough good things about Boot Coffee Campus! I have taken 3 course(intro to coffee, intro coffee roasting, and intermediate coffee roaster). I was lucky to learn from Willem, Daniel, and Valerian which has enhanced my skills 10 fold without a doubt! Even when I had an emergency that I had to leave before taking the intermediate class they worked with me to help me come back and not waste any money. This is because what they truly believe in is the craft of coffee on every level and helping others provide high quality delicious coffee to everyone they can. I can’t wait to go back and take more courses!

Review №76

2018-06-04 07:51:20

From our experiences, Boot Coffee operates in a dishonorable, disingenuous way. I flew down to Boot Coffee’s campus with my son to look at a used roaster my son was purchasing. We were told the used roaster was set up and we could roast on it.Due to miscommunication between the staff, the roaster was not hooked up and could not be used. However, we were assured it was in fine working order. Additionally, when we delved into the differences between the used and new versions of the roaster, the software capabilities of the used machine were drastically overplayed.Firing the roaster up for the very first time in its new home revealed both that Boot Coffee was not upfront with the roaster software’s capabilities, but that the drum made a loud knocking sound every rotation. When we contacted Boot Coffee about our issues, they told us to submit a support ticket to Giesen. We did, and Giesen said that the knock was a serious issue requiring one of their technicians to essentially disassemble the roaster in order to fix it. However, they said that one of their technicians might make it to our location sometime over the summer.We asked Boot Coffee for support in addressing our issues and to encourage Giesen to do everything they could to ensure the technician did indeed visit to fix the roaster. How did Boot Coffee respond? Essentially, they said “not my problem.”Obviously, we would have appreciated it if Boot Coffee would have been honest with us and disclosed the serious knocking issue with the roaster instead of telling us it was in fine working order and, furthermore, been honest with us about the roaster’s software capabilities. All in all, a most disappointing and dishonest experience.

Review №77

2020-12-02 03:50:53

I ordered the package of online classes. There is some good information if you can stay awake for it. It is SO incredibly boring. Nothing more than a pretentious instructor standing in front of the camera. He talks a lot about himself, his skills and his farms. He speaks slowly and takes forever to get to the point. I was expecting so much more. This is clearly a low budget production.

Review №78

2019-12-21 22:00:45

The best coffee classes in the country. Marcus knows most everything about specialty coffee and is an all-around great instructor. Highly recommended.

Review №79

2018-07-21 02:49:45

Just finished a course with Boot Coffee. Nothing but positive things to so about the facility, instructors, and overall layout of the course.I highly recommend anyone from coffee roaster to enthusiast to take one of their courses.

Review №80

2022-09-26 06:11:44

Superb training for anyone interested in any area of the coffee business! My husband and I learned a lot of new information and the class was really fun. Strongly recommend!

Review №81

2018-06-02 22:19:02

Bought a used roaster off of Boot Coffee. They are friendly people in conversation on the phone, but completely misled us on the capabilities of the roaster. There is also a problem with the drum of the roaster in that it makes a loud knocking sound every rotation, which requires a Giesen tech from Holland to repair.They neglected to inform us of this fact, and then made absolutely no attempt to help rectify the situation, saying it was sold as is. These machines are expensive, and it is quite disappointing to feel like you were had in a bait and switch move. Look elsewhere for your purchase of a coffee roaster.

Review №82

2023-10-12 20:44:07

I am planning to take Q Arabica grader course in future ... but before will have soon take online combo, hopefully this is the right school of choice .

Review №83

2023-08-18 01:38:04

What a great coffee campus. Amazing facility, great instructors and great classes. Definitely will be back to take another classes.

Review №84

2021-05-30 17:15:25

We use their online coffeecourses.com to train our baristas, roasters, accountants, and even cleaning crew (the ones who speak English). The content is for professionals and I wish there were more courses for our less nerdy staff.

Review №85

2018-10-11 02:38:50

I never knew there was so much to learn about coffee! The instructors were so patient and knowledgeable. If you get a chance to taste coffee or take a class here do it!

Review №86

2023-05-28 15:17:46

Took Latte Art for Beginners. Trainers were excellent. Had lots of fun.

Review №87

2020-08-12 18:53:22

It was my beginning to enter the world of specialty coffee and it was the best memory that I still remember every time I drink or roast coffee, many thanks to William, Marcus and Rosie .

Review №88

2022-03-29 03:44:41

Great course, I learned a ton about coffee and met some amazing people.

Review №89

2023-08-06 00:33:48

Since my previous review from my experience got taken down, Ill resubmit with just a rating. Cheers!

Review №90

2019-02-01 05:38:13

Real coffee pros instruct here. These guys are honest, fair, knowledgable, and some of the most helpful people in the coffee world.

Review №91

2019-12-20 19:11:16

Great place for learning very informative simple courses about coffee had a wonderful time here.

Review №92

2018-01-26 23:49:02

A wonderful coffee training facility with accommodating and extremely knowledgeable instructors.

Review №93

2017-05-02 08:52:47

Great instructor. And great coffee roasters.

Review №94

2024-04-05 03:56:52

Last month I followed the Q grader combo course 5.1 at the Boot Coffee Campus. It was the first time in my life that I enjoyed going to school every day! In a short time I really learned a lot about coffee, with lessons in green grading, triangulation, olfactory and cupping, among other things. During the lessons we were spoiled with the most delicious pour over coffees. So this literally and figuratively left me wanting more!Kudos to Willem and Valerian! ❤️

Review №95

2022-01-30 02:33:19

I loved my experience. The preparation course I took was well suited for the next step which is the Q Grader. We were able to learn and discuss several topics. Very excited to be able to follow other training courses at this school!