Valdimar Thor Johannesson | Danish Comandante Champion

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

I am a barista in my day-to-day life. I live in the outer Copenhagen area and work at Yellowbird Coffee at Amager Strand.

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

To me, coffee is a social drink with a lot of complexity and possibilities for exploration, both in the way the farmer processes the coffee and how the roaster handles it. It is also something to share with the people around me. What I love about coffee is sharing my passion with customers and family and learning more about what makes great coffee. At the moment, I am especially enjoying washed and cold-washed coffee because it doesn't interfere with or add artificial flavours to the taste of the coffee.

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

I have had a Comandante for almost 2 years, upgraded from a Porlex grinder. That was probably the best investment I have made in my coffee journey at this point. It is built like a tank; I have flown with it 2 times and have dropped it multiple times, and it still works great with no stop in sight.

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

Because it's a good way to begin competing with a very low barrier to entry. It is just a fun competition with no big stakes like the Brewers Cup or Barista Championship.

How was the competition for you?

It was terrifying at first, but after the first round, it became easier until the last round.

What are your future goals?

My future goals are to compete in the Brewers Cup and hopefully compete at the World Stage if everything goes as planned.

What is your advice for future competitors?

Go with your gut feeling and try different coffees from all around the world and different roasters. Find a recipe you're comfortable with and practice with that. And don't be afraid of making mistakes. You make them under pressure and sometimes the mistakes make the coffee even better.