Politicians don’t talk about it, but perhaps the most important stimulus to the US economy comes in a cup – the coffee cup.  The fantastic and ancient bean brewed into a brown beverage millions consider a critical part of their daily productivity.  If you’re a coffee drinker, now’s your chance to be a coffee thinker and a coffee scientist and learn more about this fascinating and complex product.

Illinois Science Council wraps up the 2011 International Year of Chemistry with another program in our very popular “Chemistry for Adults” series.  We’re hosting a hands-on Chemistry of Coffee event with the world’s top coffee experts at Chicago’s own Intelligentsia Coffee.

This program will be held at Intelligentsia’s Roasting Works and Training Lab where space constraints limit us to only 25 people.  So sign up NOW to reserve a spot.

Whether you consider yourself a daily connoisseur or one who just occasionally partakes, this is your chance to learn the inside, chemical scoop on the wonder that is coffee.  You’ll learn about:

• the selection of the coffee;
• the process of roasting; and,
• the chemical changes that take place

You’ll experiment with:

• particle size and surface area
• concentration (dosage)
• temperature
• pre-infusion (time and volume)
• you’ll find out what’s the most important of these for taste (hint – it’s a trick question)

This stimulating program will be led by Dr. Shelby Hatch of Northwestern University and Sarah Kluth, coffee buyer at Intelligentsia Coffee.  As with our other chemistry programs, you’ll get to engage in hands-on chemistry experiments.  Plus, you’ll leave with insider info that will improve your morning coffee routine and dazzle your friends with your new knowledge.

Tickets are $15 and no science prerequisites necessary, just curiosity.  Sign up now -- space is limited!  Past ISC programs in this series have included the chemistry of beer, whiskey, chocolate, cosmetics and honey.  Visit IllinoisScience.org for more details and to sign up for our mailing list of future programs. 

Intelligentsia Coffee was founded on the north side of Chicago in 1985.  It has since expanded to Los Angeles and New York City but retains its discipline and unswerving dedication to sourcing, developing, roasting and delivering the best coffee in the world.  More info can be found at www.IntelligentsiaCoffee.com.