Like many of you, I’m sure, I’m not ready to start my day until I have some caffeine in my system.  While the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is mostly about sampling exotic foods and wines from all over the world, I was very excited to take part in a special demonstration about my favorite beverage of choice – coffee.

Joffrey’s, Disney Parks and Resorts official coffee provider, is hosting the Master of the Roast Experience: The Quest for the Perfect Cup.  In this informative presentation, I learned many fascinating facts about coffee from an official Joffrey’s Roastmaster.

In a small area surrounded by live coffee plants, the presentation began with a roasting demonstration.  Fresh coffee beans were placed in a roasting machine and began tumbling to the perfect degree of deliciousness.  The Roastmaster talked about the various areas around the world where Joffrey’s harvests their coffee beans.  I was able to view fresh coffee fruit from right off the tree.  The Roastmaster also explained the drying process the beans go through, and showed fresh beans in various stages of the drying process.  Also on display were the different quality of coffee beans that make up store-bought brands versus specialty blends.

Live coffee plants

Coffee beans in various stages of the drying process

The presentation was very informal and personal, with Guests welcome to ask questions at any time.  The Roastmaster answered any and all questions very thoroughly.  Detailed infographics surrounded the presentation area for even more information on the coffee-making process.

After about 15 minutes, the delicious scent of freshly roasted coffee wafted through the air.  We heard a popping sound that meant the beans reached the “second crack” – the point of the perfect roast.  The beans were taken out of the roasting machine and carefully packaged.  Each participant was given a pack of freshly roasted beans to take home and enjoy as a souvenir.

Freshly Roasted Coffee Bean Souvenir

DIStracted Tip:  There is a limited time to take in the Master of the Roast Experience.  It will only run through the end of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival on November 16, 2015.  Demonstrations take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 12PM, 1PM, 2:30PM, and 3:30PM.

Whether you consider yourself a coffee connoisseur or just love a good cup of joe, this was a wonderful opportunity to learn a little bit more about where coffee comes from and how it reaches your mug every morning.