Andrei Clenciu | Romanian Comandante Champion

What is your job and where do you live and work?

I work in the Romanian Army and currently live and work in Bucharest.

What does coffee mean to you?

Coffee is my passion. I have started falling in love with it since 3 years now and grew it day by day. I consider it a world of mystery and what I love the most is that there’s not a day like the one before. Every day I discover new aromas, new flavours and I travel around the world with every sip I take.

What do you love about Comandante grinders, and how did you hear about them?

My first contact with a Comandante grinder was in 2017 at the Aeropress contest in Bucharest and got really impressed by its design and the fact that you can grind so easily. It’s simply amazing to have a professional grinder in such a small size. You can carry it everywhere.

Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?

At first, I wasn’t 100% decided to attend the competition; but luckily at the pressure of one of my barista friends made up my mind end enrolled. And … it turned out to be a great & unforgettable experience.

What do you love about making coffee?

I like to believe that coffee brings people together and whenever you put passion in what you do, you just make it even special – you create special moments & memories.

What are your future goals?

I want to continue the coffee learning process, to better perform the art of making coffee, to increase the awareness of specialty coffee in Romania and last by not least to soon open my own Coffee Shop in Bucharest.

How was the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup for you?

Comandante Grind & Brew Cup was a totally new experience, that gave me the opportunity to meet new people and innovate my brew recipe.

What is your advice for future competitors?

My advice – Just be open, trust in yourself, follow your instincts and create the coffee you like.