Roast Specialty Coffee with Guided Tasting

Imagine pausing your Lisbon adventure for an hour that’s centered around one of the world’s most beloved beverages—coffee. This Roast Specialty Coffee with Guided Tasting at SoLo Brewing offers a rare glimpse into the art of coffee roasting, combined with an engaging tasting. It’s a hands-on experience that promises to deepen your appreciation for the complex journey from farm to cup. At just over $40 per person, it’s a surprisingly accessible way to turn an ordinary coffee break into an educational highlight.

What I really like about this experience is the focus on educating visitors about the roasting process—not just sipping coffee, but understanding what makes a good bean and how roasting impacts flavor. The guides, notably passionate and knowledgeable, take the time to explain every step, helping even non-coffee drinkers like one reviewer’s observation, “it was time well spent.” Plus, everyone leaves with a freshly roasted 200g bag of coffee, complete with instructions on how to enjoy it over the coming weeks, which adds a thoughtful, personal touch.

One potential consideration is the timing and group size. While the tour lasts about an hour and is private, making it intimate and flexible, it might not suit travelers seeking a longer or more social activity. Also, lunch isn’t included, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry afterward. But overall, the experience’s hands-on nature and the chance to go from green bean to roasted product make it a distinctive, worthwhile stop for coffee lovers.

Key points / Takeaways

• Hands-on roasting experience: You’ll witness and participate in roasting coffee beans, gaining insights beyond just drinking coffee.
• Expert guides with passion: The staff at SoLo Brewing are described as very knowledgeable, making the process engaging and educational.
• Focus on flavor development: You’ll learn how different stages and techniques impact the final taste, perfect for those curious about coffee’s nuances.
• Take-home gift: Each participant leaves with 200 grams of freshly roasted coffee and detailed tasting instructions.
• Private tour format: Only your group participates, which allows for personalized attention and easy Q&A.
• No lunch included: Be prepared to find nearby options after your session if you’re hungry.

If you’ve ever wondered what transforms a simple green coffee bean into that aromatic brew in your cup, this guided roasting session is an excellent way to find out. Hosted by SoLo Brewing in Lisbon, this experience balances education with hands-on participation, making it a superb choice for anyone interested in the craft of coffee. Whether you’re a caffeine enthusiast or just a curious traveler, this tour offers a meaningful peek behind the curtain of your favorite morning ritual.

Meeting Point and Logistics

Starting at SoLo Brewing’s cozy coffee lab on Rua Pinheiro Chagas, the tour begins promptly at 9:00am. The location is convenient, situated near public transportation, making it easy to find. Since it’s a private activity, only your group joins, which means the guides can tailor their explanations and answer all your questions comfortably. The session lasts about an hour, and after roasting and tasting, you’ll return to the meeting point — simple and straightforward.

The price of $40.52 per person may seem modest considering the personalized attention and the included roasted coffee. It’s worth noting that booking is recommended approximately 9 days in advance, reflecting its popularity among dedicated coffee lovers. The tour’s mobile ticket makes the booking process smooth, and the full cancellation policy offers peace of mind.

What’s Included and What’s Not

You’ll receive freshly roasted coffee and have the chance to taste it during a cupping session that highlights flavor profiles and quality. The guide will teach you what to look for at each stage—from green bean selection to the final roast—helping you understand what makes a coffee truly exceptional. You won’t find lunch included, so plan to grab a bite before or after the tour.

The Roasting Process: From Green Bean to Flavor

Once inside the lab, the real fun begins. You’ll see the roasting machine in action, watch as the beans change color and aroma, and learn how timing, temperature, and technique influence the final flavor. The guides, who are enthusiastic about their craft (with praise from reviews like “the Solo crew has a huge passion for making coffee”), explain how roasting affects the taste—highlighting the importance of precision and patience.

As one review states, “We really took our time to learn about roasting coffee,” which is true—this isn’t an assembly line process but an art form. You’ll learn what to look for in green coffee, such as size, density, and origin, and how these factors influence roasting choices. The guides encourage questions, making it interactive and educational.

Tasting and Savoring the Final Product

After roasting, you’ll have the opportunity to sample the freshly roasted beans. The cupping process reveals the flavor nuances and helps you appreciate what makes a roast balanced or bold. One reviewer mentioned that “it was interesting to see the different stages of coffee roasting, then taste the final product,” confirming the educational value of this step.

Your guide will help you identify flavors, aromas, and textures, giving you a deeper appreciation for each sip. Plus, you get to take home a 200g bag of your own roasted coffee—a tangible reminder of the journey from bean to cup. This hands-on aspect makes the experience memorable and personalized.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This activity is ideal for coffee aficionados, home baristas, or anyone looking to understand what goes into a perfect roast. The intimate setting and expert guidance suit those who prefer quality over quantity, and the fact that questions are encouraged makes it perfect for curious minds. It’s also a great activity for couples or small groups wanting a unique, educational experience during their Lisbon trip.

The Value of Learning About Coffee

For just over $40, you gain more than a tasting—you gain insight. The guide’s explanations help you grasp why certain roasts taste different, how freshness impacts flavor, and how to identify quality at home. That knowledge can elevate your everyday coffee routine, even long after your trip.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. This experience is especially rewarding if you enjoy engaging activities that deepen your understanding of local crafts. It’s not just a tasting; it’s an educational journey that turns a simple morning into a memorable highlight. The friendly, passionate guides and the chance to take home your own roasted beans make it a good deal for curious travelers.

The only thing to keep in mind is that it’s a shorter activity—about an hour—so if you’re looking for a lengthy tour or a full-day workshop, this might not be your best fit. But for a quick, authentic, and fun look into the world of coffee roasting, it’s hard to beat.

If you love coffee and want a behind-the-scenes look at how it’s made, this is an ideal choice. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a practical, memorable, and educational experience that’s not overly commercialized. For those who appreciate craftsmanship and want to bring a piece of Lisbon’s coffee scene home—literally—this is a fantastic pick.

It’s also great for small groups or couples who prefer a personalized and relaxed setting. Since the tour is private, guides can focus on your questions and interests, making it a tailored experience. Overall, it’s a delightful way to turn your Lisbon mornings into a new appreciation for the art of coffee roasting.

How long does the tour last?
The roasting and tasting session lasts approximately 1 hour, making it a quick but enriching activity.

Where does the experience start?
It begins at SoLo Brewing Coffee Lab on Rua Pinheiro Chagas, near public transportation, with easy access in Lisbon.

Is the tour private?
Yes, only your group participates, allowing for a more personalized experience and flexibility in questions.

What is included?
You’ll receive a freshly roasted 200g bag of coffee to take home, along with guided tasting instructions.

Is food provided?
No, lunch or additional food isn’t included, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry afterward.

Can I cancel the reservation?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this experience suitable for non-coffee drinkers?
While mainly focused on coffee, the educational aspect and tasting might still be interesting for those new to coffee—though it’s best suited for enthusiasts seeking deeper knowledge.

This guided coffee roasting and tasting experience in Lisbon offers a perfect blend of education, hands-on participation, and local flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee lover or just curious about what makes a good roast, you’ll leave with new skills, a better understanding, and a delicious bag of coffee to enjoy back home.