Jongrin Kim | Comandante Champion USA

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

I’m a coffee trainer at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters and I live in the finest city: San Diego, California. 

What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?

Coffee is everything to me. It's my daily happiness, even if it makes me a little anxious when I've had way too much! It completely frustrates me when a brew doesn't go right, but it's also the exact thing that comforts me when I'm sad. It's like a best friend, but at the same time, it's this massive mountain I'm constantly trying to climb. Just when I think I've mastered it, I lose it the next day. It’s bittersweet, but that's what makes it so captivating.

Anyone can make a decent cup in five minutes, but brewing a truly amazing cup - and doing it consistently - is so hard. I can spend hours studying just to figure out one tiny variable. It’s an art that takes deep knowledge and exact technique, and I honestly don't think I'll ever get tired of it.

What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?

The Comandante is the absolute standard in Korea. It’s so famous that coffee companies literally share their brew recipes based on Comandante clicks. They're usually sold out with a massive waitlist, so I was thrilled to see that we carry them at Bird Rock Coffee. That’s actually where I bought my first Comandante X25 Trailmaster!

The grinder is legendary because it extracts maximum sweetness and a heavy body while still maintaining great clarity. It’s the ultimate all-around player: perfectly balanced, incredibly sturdy, and great for any kind of coffee. The X25 is a durable beast, and now I also have the C40 with the Red Clix, which allows me to dial in even more precisely!

Why did you apply for the Comandante Championship?

When I heard that Bird Rock Coffee was co-hosting the Comandante Championship, I immediately knew at least one of us from the team had to compete. I’ve had my Comandante X25 for years now, and I just love how fair and unique the whole concept of this competition is. I honestly didn't have a single reason not to do it. When I checked the website, there was literally one ticket left! I didn't even have time to overthink it - I just registered right then and there. Looking back, making that split-second decision was one of the best choices I’ve ever made.

How was the competition for you?

The vibe was so chill. I couldn't believe how quickly the event completely transformed the atmosphere of the cafe. I didn’t think I was nervous, but right before my round, the nerves definitely started creeping in. But I reminded myself to just do exactly what I had practised over and over, and as soon as I started brewing, I felt right at home. I had no idea what the skill level of the other competitors would be, so I just had to trust my hard work and my recipe.

My only goal was to pass the first round. When they called my cup, I couldn’t believe it. It was my first time competing, and I didn’t know if my brew would stand out among such talented people. I was genuinely confident in my AeroPress recipe and its taste, and after winning the second round, it finally hit me: I might actually win this. I didn’t change a single thing about my routine; I just decided to trust it. All the strategies and intentional choices I poured into my coffee-making paid off way more than I expected. It was an unforgettable experience, and I’m so incredibly appreciative of everything and everyone.

What is your advice for future competitors?

There is never enough time on stage, especially if you plan to handpick your beans. You have to plan ahead and meticulously time your routine beforehand. Every single variable needs to be completely under your control - from preheating your brewer and hitting your exact finish time, to your WDT, RDT, and even the way you swirl. In competition, it’s those tiny, calculated details that make a massive difference in the final cup.

What are your future goals?

Surprisingly, I’ve learned so much just from preparing for this competition. It really sparked my desire to dive deeper into pour-over and AeroPress. I definitely want to keep competing to see how far I can push my skills. I especially love the format of brewing mystery beans with blind judging - it strips everything else away and makes it purely about your knowledge and technique.