Skip the basic brew—level up your coffee game at TALA Roasters

According to Keith Lilja, co-owner of TALA Roasters in Libertyville, coffee-buying customers are surprised to realize how sweet and tasty their coffee is all by itself. TALA Roasters has cracked the code, says Lilja, to release the coffee bean's natural sweetness.

Lilja's hobby of roasting coffee in a popcorn popper at home was the first step in what has become a thriving and successful career. In 2023, Lilja told Mill City Roasters that coffee was never meant to be a full-time career. He met his future business partners while working as a barista at a local coffee roaster and café.

In 2017, teammates Joanna and Stefan Tong and friend Ryan Hickman joined Lilja to open TALA Coffee Roasters in Libertyville. Soon, they began serving their small-batch brews at a repurposed firehouse in Highwood, just 30 minutes north of the city.

Following the success of its Highwood location, TALA began offering coffee classes through its whimsically named University of TALA at its Libertyville location. Two classes are being offered, each giving coffeeholics an inside look at how co-owner and head roaster Keith Lilja coaxes the rich flavors, aromatic profiles, and smooth finishes from every batch of beans.

Coffee 101 – Roastery tour and cupping

Cupping, in the coffee industry, refers to tasting and evaluating beans to discover their unique flavors. Cupping in sports involves using cups that suction to your skin, encouraging healing. Different cups, same goal: relief and discovery. Both leave you feeling better; just one involves less sweating!

During this two-hour class, guests will explore the inner workings of TALA Roasters, discovering the story behind its creation and growth. Head roaster Lilja will walk students through the roasting journey, from green beans to perfectly roasted coffee. The class concludes in the Training Lab with a cupping session, allowing participants to expand their palates and experience new flavors.

Each student will receive a complimentary bag of coffee and a 10% discount on brewing gear or merchandise for their next purchase.

For more information and to register, follow this link.

Coffee 102 – Brewing basics

In TALA Roasters' Coffee 102 class, students will learn brewing techniques, taste and recognize different flavor profiles, and observe the roasting process closely. They'll also refine their cupping skills and discover how to appreciate the nuances of coffee. There will be demonstrations and a Q&A session to answer all students' coffee brewing questions.

Each student will receive a complimentary bag of coffee.

For more information and to register, follow this link.

For coffee newbies or seasoned enthusiasts, TALA Roasters' Coffee classes will deepen appreciation for the craft with hands-on learning and expert guidance.