Review: NOMAD's Brew Intermedio Course – What You'll Learn and Is It Worth It?

If you've mastered the basics of pour-over or French press and are ready to take your coffee brewing to the next level, NOMAD's Brew Intermedio course might be exactly what you need. Designed for home enthusiasts and aspiring baristas, this intermediate-level course dives deeper into the science and art of extraction, offering hands-on practice with professional equipment. In this review, we'll explore the curriculum, the skills you'll gain, and whether it's worth the investment.

NOMAD is known for its high-quality specialty coffee and educational offerings, and the Brew Intermedio course is a standout option for those who want to refine their technique. With small class sizes and expert instructors, the course promises to bridge the gap between hobbyist and serious coffee lover. But does it deliver? Let's find out.

Course Overview: What to Expect

The Brew Intermedio course is a full-day workshop (typically 6-8 hours) that covers advanced brewing principles, including water chemistry, grind size adjustment, and extraction yield. You'll start with a theoretical session on how different variables affect flavor, followed by practical exercises using tools like the Hario V60, Chemex, and AeroPress. The course emphasizes precision and repeatability, helping you achieve consistent results at home.

Unlike beginner courses that focus on basic recipes, Brew Intermedio teaches you to diagnose and fix common brewing issues. You'll learn to use a refractometer to measure total dissolved solids (TDS) and calculate extraction percentage—skills usually reserved for professional baristas. The course also includes a cupping session to train your palate, which is invaluable for understanding flavor profiles.

• Hands-on practice with multiple brew methods
• Introduction to water chemistry and its impact on extraction
• Use of refractometer and TDS meter for precise brewing
• Palate training through guided cupping

Key Skills You'll Develop

By the end of the course, you'll be able to dial in any coffee with confidence. One of the standout skills is learning to adjust grind size and water temperature to highlight specific flavor notes. For example, you'll practice with single-origin coffees like churupallana-205228">Churupallana, a Peruvian bean known for its floral and fruity profile, and understand how to optimize extraction for its unique characteristics.

Another crucial skill is mastering the pour-over technique with precision. The course covers the 'pulse pouring' method and how to control agitation to avoid over-extraction. You'll also learn to clean and maintain your equipment properly, which extends its lifespan and ensures consistent taste. The course uses NOMAD's own specialty coffees, giving you a chance to taste the difference that quality beans make.

• Dialing in grind size and water temperature for optimal extraction
• Pulse pouring and agitation control for pour-over
• Equipment maintenance and cleaning best practices
• Tasting and evaluating coffee like a pro

Is It Worth the Investment?

At around €150-€200, the Brew Intermedio course is priced competitively compared to similar offerings from other specialty coffee schools. Considering the hands-on instruction, use of professional equipment, and high-quality coffee included, it offers excellent value for serious home brewers. The small class size (max 8 students) ensures personalized attention, so you get feedback on your technique throughout the day.

If you're considering a career in coffee, this course is a solid stepping stone. It covers concepts that are essential for the SCA Brewing Foundation exam, and many graduates have gone on to take advanced courses or work in specialty cafes. For hobbyists, the knowledge gained will transform your daily brew—you'll taste improvements immediately. The only downside is the time commitment, but for most, it's a rewarding investment.

• Competitive pricing for the depth of content
• Personalized feedback from expert instructors
• Prepares you for SCA certification exams
• Immediate improvement in home brewing quality

What Makes NOMAD's Course Unique?

NOMAD's approach stands out because of their focus on sensory education. The course includes a detailed cupping session where you learn to identify flavor notes, acidity, body, and aftertaste—skills that directly translate to better brewing. They also use their own roasted coffees, like the KII#1, a single-origin from Kenya with bright acidity and complex fruit notes, to illustrate how different beans respond to extraction variables.

Additionally, the course covers the use of advanced equipment like the Fellow Stagg EKG kettle, which allows precise temperature control, and the Brew profesional coffee maker for batch brewing. This exposure to professional tools helps you understand what's possible at home and in a cafe setting. The instructors are experienced baristas who share practical tips that you won't find in online tutorials.

• Integrated sensory training with cupping
• Use of NOMAD's own specialty coffees
• Hands-on with professional equipment (Fellow Stagg EKG, etc.)
• Expert instructors with real-world experience

Whether you're a dedicated home brewer or an aspiring barista, NOMAD's Brew Intermedio course offers a comprehensive and practical education that will elevate your coffee skills. The combination of theory, hands-on practice, and sensory training makes it a worthwhile investment. If you're ready to take your brewing to the next level, check out the course details and book your spot at NOMAD today.