James McCarthy Leading ‘Variety Show’ Tour of Counter Culture’s Training Centers

James McCarthy. Photo courtesy of Counter Culture.

Durham-based Counter Culture Coffee is set to host “The Variety Show,” what the company is calling fun and informative workshops at each of its eight U.S. training centers.

The events, open to the public, will be led by Counter Culture’s James McCarthy, 2013 World Brewers Cup Champion, as well as the owners of Finca El Puente (“Purple Princess”) coffee farm in Honduras. Here’s more from CC on what to expect:

During the first part of each workshop, guests will hear about coffee farming experiences from Moises and Marysabel Herrera, the owners of Finca El Puente (the renowned “Purple Princess”) coffee farm. Ten of Finca El Puente’s coffee varieties – ranging from Robusta to Gesha – will be available for guests to taste. Following, James McCarthy will offer brewing tips and speak about his winning competition experience at the World Brewers Cup in Melbourne, Australia, this past spring. Light food and beverages will be served, and a pop-up shop with whole bean coffee, small wares, and merchandise will be available.

Sponsored by Kalita USA, Bonavita, Espro and Baratza, the events will also feature raffles and some sweet giveaways of coffee supplies. The grand prize winner at the show’s final stop, inside CC’s brand new New York Center, is a personal brewing demo with McCarthy at the winner’s home or coffee shop. Here is the Variety Show schedule:

• Sat., Oct. 5th – Durham Training Center
• Mon., Oct. 7th – Atlanta Training Center
• Wed., Oct. 9th – Asheville Training Center
• Fri., Oct. 11th – Chicago Training Center
• Sun., Oct. 13th – Washington, DC Training Center
• Tues., Oct. 15th – Philadelphia Training Center
• Thurs., Oct. 17th – Boston Training Center
• Sat., Oct. 19th – New York Training Center