Robert Komaritzan | German Comandante Champion

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

I’m a barista running my own business, Rotbart Kaffee, focusing on barista courses, caterings and cooperations with partners like bartenders.

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

Coffee wasn’t a love at first sight, I started with pretty bad quality stuff to keep me going in the morning. But now, love at second glance and it’s really intense. Whether I brew, teach, entertain or just enjoy on my own or with friends. I love its taste, variety of flavours, the preparation ritual and in the end that it’s connecting people all over the world, building one community and adding friends to your life.

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

It’s my third hand grinder and to be honest the price was holding me back from buying it in the beginning. Later on I was able to test one and was shocked by the grind result. At that time it felt like a game changer. It was completely unlocking the potential of the coffee and in addition brought consistency to a new level. That’s what I like about it.

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

The cup was the first visible filter coffee competition in BW and felt like a sign to show people that Stuttgart can offer not only good coffee but also a strong coffee community and good Baristi. So the stage was there and that’s why I applied for it. So thanks again to Comandante for this chance!

How was the competition for you?

It was fun and adrenalin at same time. What I loved was to see how other baristi brew their cups and to taste it, chat about it. I don’t remember any other event providing me this possibility.

What are your future goals?

For the next years it’s further building up my business as well as to become a professional trainer. I’m also investing time in a café project which I would love to turn out great.

What is your advice for future competitors?

Just do it, it’s fun and a great community event. Just stick to your way of brewing your cup, time on stage is always running faster than expected. And make sure to taste the cups of the other competitors and chat with them.