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Zest Coffee Tasting Experience Studio

67 North St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia

Recommended by 67 people

Updated

Find Zest Coffee Tasting Experience Studio

67 North St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 437 309 660
HoursMonday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Zest Coffee Tasting Experience Studio

This Richmond tasting studio trades cafe counter chatter for guided pour-over flights that unpack bean terroir. Booked 30-to-60-minute sensory sessions isolate a single producer across three distinct varietals, stepping drinkers through aromas, origin stories, and processing shifts with zero gatekeeping. Fellow coffee nerds praise the approachable staff, who unpack rare Ninety Plus lots alongside specialized Apax Lab mineral water. It is an unpretentious, palate-expanding crash course that reframes your morning cup.

  • Guided Sensory Flights: Interactive 30-to-60-minute tasting sessions focus on pour-overs, comparing varietals and processing styles side-by-side.
  • Rare Specialty Offerings: Pours rare 90+ SCA lots and exclusive Ninety Plus beans with Apax Lab mineral water at approachable prices.
  • Expert Education: Knowledgeable guides break down terroir, origin notes, and manual brewing techniques without gatekeeping.
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What's On at Zest Coffee Tasting Experience Studio

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Experience Zest Coffee Tasting Experience Studio

Why specialty coffee lovers and curious explorers book tasting flights at Richmond's dedicated studio

  • Interactive Sommelier-Style Coffee Flights

    Guests explore complex varietals and processing methods through structured side-by-side pour overs led by dedicated coffee guides.

    We chose the set where we could hold constant the producer and region, and try three varietals.

    L Kat

  • Immersive Farm-to-Cup Flavor Journeys

    Tasting sessions walk coffee lovers through origin stories, fermentation techniques, and distinct flavor notes.

    From detailed fruit growing, processing and origin stories, complete with farm picture albums. To detailed, guided, tasking notes.

    celena javni

  • Practical Tips to Elevate Home Brewing

    Hosts break down manual brewing variables and technical mechanics so visitors can upgrade their home filter coffee.

    Julijan was able to share his tips on manual brewing which I could use while brewing filter coffee at home.

    Calvin Yong Ze Hao

  • Dedicated Education Rather than a Busy Cafe

    The dedicated studio operates as an educational space focused on exploring rare coffees rather than standard cafe counter service.

    this is not a cafe, it’s an awesome opportunity to learn more about coffee

    Donna Hanson

  • Warm Hospitality Completely Free of Gatekeeping

    The studio environment welcomes both newcomers and seasoned connoisseurs to ask in-depth questions without condescension.

    Friendly, humble and completely devoid of any gatekeeping or snobbery - this is an absolute must if you care about coffee

    Nathanael Wright

  • Infectious Enthusiasm and Discovery

    Guests come away energized and inspired after tasting unexpected, complex flavor notes in high-scoring lots.

    We all came away buzzing with enthusiasm full of delicious coffee.

    lisa sargeant

Explore structured comparative tasting flights guided by expert coffee sommeliers

  • Ninety Plus Estates Flight

    We had the Ninety Plus Estates flight and were amazed by the complexity and nuance of premium luxury beans (with SCA scores of 90+).

    Ryan Lange

  • Geisha Flight

    Shared an absolutely delicious Geisha flight with a couple friends today. A great avenue to explore different processing methods and their effects on the same bean!

    Moth Wong

  • Best of Colombia Series

    We tried the Best of Colombia series of coffees. Julijan gave us new appreciation of the new innovative coffee processing methods.

    Calvin Yong Ze Hao

  • Flight of Pour Overs

    Wow what a GREAT experience at Zest trying out a flight of pour overs. We chose the set where we could hold constant the producer and region, and try three varietals.

    L Kat

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful sensory and educational details that elevate a visit beyond a standard coffee run

  • Controlled Variable Tasting Flights

    Tasting flights are structured scientifically to isolate specific variables—such as keeping the producer and region constant while comparing three different varietals, or exploring how distinct fermentation and processing methods alter the same bean.

  • Origin Albums & Roastery Walkthrough

    Guides illustrate the entire bean lifecycle from cherry picking to fermentation and roasting using dedicated visual origin albums and an onsite small-batch roaster during the session.

  • Precision Brewing Water & Profile Tuning

    Sensory sessions incorporate specialized advanced equipment and methods, including Decent espresso machines running Scott Rao Filter 3.0 profiles and custom APAX LAB brewing water formulations.

  • Snobbery-Free Home Brewing Guidance

    Hosts adapt sessions directly to guests' personal home-brewing curiosities, answering technical questions and sharing practical manual brewing tips without gatekeeping or snobbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a regular cafe or a guided tasting experience?

This studio is an interactive, guided tasting and educational workshop rather than a regular walk-in cafe bar. Guided sensory sessions typically run 30 to 60 minutes and explore different processing methods, varietals, and coffee flavor profiles.

Do I need to make a booking in advance?

Booking ahead is strongly recommended to guarantee your spot, as sessions are structured tastings behind the bar, though walk-ins may occasionally be accommodated when unreserved slots allow.

How much do the tasting flights cost?

Tasting experiences and flights generally range from $60 to $210, with options such as luxury Ninety Plus Panama flights accommodating small groups for around $90. You can also purchase roasted beans to take home.

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