Here at the Coffee Compass we love barista competitions and documentary films. It just so happens that Prima Coffee shares this esoteric intersection of interest. Their new documentary, The World Barista Championship – A Global Influence, takes a look at the 2015 World Barista Championship. Sure we’re biased– Prima is one of the companies that helps sponsor us — but we think this film is one of the finest examples of coffee cinema we’ve seen yet. The film is narrated by Steve Rhinehart and features interviews with a smattering of World and National champions, including James Hoffmann, Tim Wendelboe, and Laila Wilbur. Hats off to cameraman/editor Cody Maher and the rest of the Prima crew.
Prima Coffee
Louisville to Host US Aeropress Championship Eastern Regional
The Eastern Regional of the US Aeropress Championship will take place in Louisville, KY on January 31, 2015. Louisville-based micro roaster Quills Coffee will host the event, in partnership with sponsors Prima Coffee, Mahlkönig USA, and The Coffee Compass. In each round of the bracket style tournament competitors will have eight minutes to make a single cup of coffee with an Aeropress. A panel of judges select the best cup to advance in a blind tasting.
Competitors will have access to a Mahlkönig EK-43, a Bonavita Variable Temperature kettle, and have the option of using their own coffee or a coffee provided by Quills. The top 3 contestants will automatically earn a spot at the US Aeropress Championship. Prizes include a free trip to the national competition for the winner. Individuals interested in competing in the competition can register at easternaeropress.tumblr.com.
Interview: Chris Elliott of Slayer Espresso
Our intimate coffee community in Louisville recently lost one of its brightest young coffee professionals to the coffee Mecca known as Seattle. We were excited to catch up with Chris Elliott at SCAA and ask him a few questions about his new role at Slayer Espresso.
It’s safe to say a lot of baristas would kill to work for a company like Slayer (get it?). What exactly will you be doing? Is this your dream job?
Usually, my work here fits quite neatly in a couple of categories: marketing and content. My job is to make Slayer look good, mostly through social media and writing for our website. Slayer is a small company, though, so I wear a lot of hats. Actually, I joke that I own the hat store. That should hint at the range of my work. Also, isn’t there a word for “hat store”? Let me ask @hermitudinous. Anyway, I’ve joined some serious momentum because the product has already made a lot of noise and the brand’s image is somewhat established. That makes my job a lot easier. And, yeah, this is exactly what I want to be doing right now. I’m crazy about coffee, but I really enjoy this unique view of the industry – from behind a desk, that is. I like to write and it turns out that there’s a lot to say about …
Cup Like a Champ: What Cory Andreen Can Teach Us About Coffee Cupping
In the coffee world, the word “cup” is used as a verb synonymous with “taste.” To cup, or taste, coffee is to consciously interact with the subtle sensory components made manifest in the dynamic chemical process of brewing. Last Thursday evening, Prima Coffee hosted a small gathering with the current World Cup Tasters Champion (WCTC), Cory Andreen, at Quills Coffee. He communicated several great points on coffee cupping….
