Name: Kevin Porras Age: 32 Hometown: Esparza, Puntarenas
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I'm a Software Engineer working remotely for a USA company with a deep passion for coffee that has led me to be part of this great world.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
A LOT, like really a LOT. Brewing and drinking coffee allows me to take some time for myself and enjoy the process from start to finish. Also, the coffee community is awesome and vibrant in Costa Rica which is really great.
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
I got my hands on a Comandante for the first time as a prize when I won the Costa Rican Aeropress Championship last year; since then, it has travelled to many places (including the World Aeropress Championship of course) and I also use it almost daily when making coffee at home. I love the consistency of the grinding
and how uniform it is; I actually tested it alongside a couple of other grinders using Kruve and it really shines on this aspect.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind and Brew Cup?
I love competitions! I consider them a way to push you to learn more every time and this was an awesome opportunity for this in a relaxed party-like environment so of course I really had to apply to it
How was the competition for you?
It was a bit of a rollercoaster. I made a couple of small mistakes in the first round that I managed to recover to deliver good coffee on time but still got knocked out in that round. When they were announcing the wildcards I was looking at the exhibitors' booths and partially distracted but when I heard my name I immediately went to the stage and started preparing for my second chance; this time it was Aeropress so I had a pretty good chance.
I won the wildcard round with a unanimous decision and then for the final, we flipped a coin and it decided that it would be Aeropress again so I was happy; I brewed the same recipe as the previous round and the result was great.
What are your future goals?
Always be learning more and more about coffee: I'm hoping to complete my Coffee Skills Diploma and of course, keep competing as that will help me to become a better coffee professional.
What is your advice for future competitors?
Compete! Challenge yourselves but above everything: enjoy this cool awesome competition!
Ronald Felipe Morales Palomino
Colombian Champion 2024
Name: Ronald Felipe Morales Palomino Age: 42 Hometown: Municipality of Zarzal - department Valle del Cauca - Colombia
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I currently work as an independent coffee instructor. I am also a coffee roaster, coffee taster and barista. I live in the city of Armenia in the department of Quindio in the Colombian coffee belt (eje cafetero colombiano). I work as an instructor in different parts of the country, Coffee allows me to travel and share knowledge wherever it is needed.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
For me, coffee is my whole life! For more than 11 years, coffee has become my lifestyle because I made the decision to do something that would make me happy and I found that happiness in the world of coffee in my daily activities. What I love most about coffee is its ability to unite people, whether it's a cup of coffee as an excuse to get two people together to talk or a coffee shop where many more people meet to share a moment or do business or a coffee fair where all of us who love this beautiful world of coffee meet to share, drink lots of coffee and be happy about it!
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
Comandante grinders are an icon in the coffee industry worldwide, their precision, consistency and quality of the materials they are built with make them the most sought-after grinder brand ever. Using a Comandante grinder takes everything to the next level, when you think about taking your love for coffee to a professional or competitive level, they will always be the first choice!
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind and Brew Cup?
When I started competing in the coffee world, my life changed. Competitions have helped me improve as a person and as a professional. I always learn a lot when I compete and that allows me to share that knowledge with more people. I had seen the commander competitions in other countries and I always wanted them to be in Colombia, and when I saw the announcement this year, it was very exciting to be able to participate. Participating in competitions as important as this one strengthens the coffee industry in Colombia and generates the development of the barista community in my country so that young people continue to be motivated to make coffee their lifestyle.
How was the competition for you?
For me it was incredibly exciting, a competition very different from any other I have participated in, a very relaxed and cool space but at the same time it was a very demanding competition that pushed all of us competitors to the limit professionally and to apply all of our knowledge in coffee preparation, getting the most out of our Comandante grinders. For me that is great because it helps us all to improve as baristas and coffee professionals.
What are your future goals?
I want to continue sharing the coffee culture, I want to have my coffee shop again, which I had until the pandemic, and take it to another level with a physical space that serves as an academy for more people to learn and fall in love with coffee, as consumers and as professional tasters, roasters and baristas to continue contributing to the development of our industry!
What is your advice for future competitors?
My advice is to keep competing, because by competing you acquire knowledge that contributes a lot to improving our daily activities, which keeps the coffee industry developing. I also recommend everyone enjoy each competition, so that they are spaces where we all enjoy doing what we love!
JACQUELINE KEZIA MILLENNINA
INDONESIA CHAMPION 2024
Name: Jacqueline Kezia Millennina Age: 24 Hometown: Tangerang, Indonesia
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I am a Barista at Kopi Oemah P'adi. I live in BSD, Tangerang and that's also where Kopi Oemah P'adi is.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
In the beginning, I felt coffee is just a caffeine boost, but as time goes by and Kopi Oemah P'adi teachings, I began to learn deeply about coffee. From the plantation, processing, roasting, until brewing. I feel like coffee is a representation of hard work from a lot of parties farmer, processor, roaster, and me as the barista, that's also the reason why I started falling in love with coffee.
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
Comandante Grinders is like a privilege in our cafe, where only the chosen one is allowed to use Comandante, in other words, you have to earn your way to be able to use the Comandante. I as the barista here have to keep on proving that I am worthy. As for Comandante, it made a huge impact on my brewing skills since I can experiment with various grind sizes. I like Comandante Grinders mostly because the grounds have an even and quality distribution.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind and Brew Cup?
I joined the Championship because I love competing and I enjoy a format that is based only on the taste of the coffee, not on scoring sheets. Other than that I have been using Comandante Grinders for quite a while and I wanted to test myself if I can use the grinder better than others.
How was the competition for you?
It was a rollercoaster ride. Me and my team have been practising a lot already 2 weeks before the competition. I got eliminated in the first round which lowered my confidence deeply. But I was hopeful for the wild card in the final round. The crew used a roulette to decide who would be the wild card winner to join the finals, when they called my name I was taken aback it was a 3.33% chance to be called! They gave us a 10-minute break to prepare ourselves, and then the time for the final round came. I tried to brew calmly but accidents happened here and there, I finished last among the three finalists with the exact amount of coffee required with nothing left for me to taste my coffee. Finally, it was time for the announcement. When they didn't call my name for the 3rd place, I was surprised because I was prepared to be the last in the finals. I just let everything happen according to the greater being's plan. I expected to be the 2nd place. When they called my name "Congratulations to Jacqueline Kezia for being the first-ever Indonesian Comandante Champion" It was truly an unbelievable moment for me. I couldn't be even happier than that moment.
What are your future goals?
I'm planning to continue my journey in the coffee industry, probably joining other championships to keep on testing myself.
What is your advice for future competitors?
Practice as much as you can. When the day comes let go of everything do not think too much. Just believe in yourself.
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.
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I am a barista currently living and working in Hangzhou.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
For me, coffee is a good way to spice up my life. I have a passion for coffee and have wanted to work in this industry since I was 14 years old. I am also very fortunate to be able to continue and grow in this industry.
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
The particle quality of the Comandante grinder is uniform, and the brewed coffee has better flavour, sweetness and acidity. That is why I like it so much!
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind and Brew Cup?
Because this is the first one in China, I am very interested in this event. I used Comandante in my previous competitions. I signed up without hesitation, and I was lucky to be able to qualify among so many players.
How was the competition for you?
Competitions are the main way for me to improve myself. I can also learn some brewing ideas and methods from other players. What's more important is that I could make many new friends.
What are your future goals?
My future goal is to win a national championship in China, no matter which category. I also hope to have a chance to compete with other Comandante champions from around the world and learn from each other.
What is your advice for future competitors?
When brewing coffee in daily work or life, you can find your own brewing framework. Optimize this framework and check with friends and family. Use it in various competitions, and get feedback from the judges. Think more and learn more. I wish Comandante all the best and I look forward to the launch of new products.
Name: Sangwha Lee (Paul) Age: 30 Hometown: Busan, South Korea
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I've been working as a barista for more than 5 years.
And finally, 2 years ago I started my own shop so, now I run my own business. It is called 'Sangroksu Bakery Park’ and it is located in Haeundae, Busan.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
Well, now without COFFEE, my life doesn't exist.
I started to work as a barista because I loved the smell of coffee but now it has become
much more than just a job. It became my whole passion, my dream.
I met so many good people through coffee that's why I love it.
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
After I started to work as a barista, I needed to make myself coffee on my days off.
I found Comandante the most high-end hand grinder so I bought one and I love it.
I bought one more and gave my dad he loved it. He later bought 10 Comandante mills
and gave all to his friends who are also coffee lovers.
I love Comandante because it is so easy to use, clean and has a beautiful design.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind and Brew Cup?
Well, I've been brewing coffee for more than 5 years and I'm very proud of my brewing skills & recipes.
So I wanted to check my level in a competition and challenge myself.
How was the competition for you?
The competition was really fun! To be honest I was nervous during the first round,
but after that, I started to enjoy it. It was such a big pleasure and honour to be part of the competition.
Thank you so much Comandante and Momos team for making this happen.
What are your future goals?
I want to open up 2 more Sangroksu branches in Busan.
Then hopefully in Japan, New York and Melbourne which is my second hometown!
What is your advice for future competitors?
Always remember, your rivals are nervous and feel under pressure too. So try to focus on your brewing, your recipe, your stuff and if you can show 100% of what you prepared. it’s gonna be successful! AND JUST ENJOY!!!!!!
Name: Mauro Swieczak Age: 33 Hometown: Vienna, Austria
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I work in coffee. I also recently organized The "Latte Karate" Throwdown in Vienna.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
Let me say this: The universe is 99.999% made out of dark matter, and nobody really knows what dark matter is - maybe it's coffee? That's what coffee means to me, and I love its diversity.
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
It was true love at first sight. I'm a big fan of hand grinders and this one just changed my life. The grinding experience is so delightful that it makes me wake up to drink coffee, rather than the other way around.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind and Brew Cup?
It was at Dayglow, the evening before the World Cup Tasting Championship in Chicago, where I participated as well. I signed up mostly to meet people, explore the place, and have a blast at the party! It was my second attempt at the Comandante competition, so I knew I could find it all there!
How was the competition for you?
Challenging! Even though it's not far from my daily routine, competing against great coffee people and brewing for a rigorous panel of judges is always tough. Luckily, the coffee was just amazing. I enjoyed all the brews.
What are your future goals?
Comandante World Champion! Meantime, I'll keep on exploring the coffee world.
What is your advice for future competitors?
Here's my advice: Take a shot! Compete, because you'll miss 100% of the shots you don't take. And here's my second piece of advice: Never compete just to win. Set up your own personal goals and expectations. This way, it's much easier and more enjoyable, and you can always be the winner!
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I live and work in the United Arab Emirates. I am an engineer in the secret seal industry.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
Five years ago I worked as a barista in a small coffee shop in Kyiv. And I became acquainted with alternative coffee brewing already a long time ago. I love making coffee at home for myself and my friends.
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
I was first introduced to the Comandante grinder when I gave it to a friend of mine for his birthday. I realized that it is the ideal option for making delicious coffee at home and not only. I wanted to buy it, but fate had it so that soon I won it in a contest. Archers was holding a competition. It was an interesting experience.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind and Brew Cup?
I wasn't confident in my abilities as I only brew V60 at home, for myself and my friends. But my friend said I was good at it and it would be silly not to try competing. So I signed up for the Comandante Championship.
How was the competition for you?
The competition was so exciting. And this is an unexpected victory for me. Thank you to my support team, without them I would not have been able to cope with my emotions. I would also like to thank all the participants for the great competition. And the jury members for their experience and presence at this championship.
What are your future goals?
I'll still be brewing delicious coffee at home, using my new Comandante Champion Grinder. I will continue to grow my coffee know-how and maybe take part in some more competitions.
What is your advice for future competitors?
To future participants, I advise them not to be afraid and try their brewing skills. Brew coffee whenever possible and enjoy the flavour. And be sure to buy Comandante, it is an indispensable item in your coffee inventory. Thank you and have a nice day!
Alexandru Diaconescu
Romania Comandante Champion 2023
Name: Alexandru Diaconescu Age: 27 Hometown: Pucioasa
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I live in Bucharest, and I work as a barista at Zissou Coffee Shop.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
For me, coffee is about passion, from talking with the people I am meeting at the coffee shop to making coffee as an art. Moreover, I love the taste diverse taste that I can get from each type of coffee, but also the complexity of drawings that I can create due to my latte art skill. I can’t see myself doing anything else.
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
I did not have one until now and I am happy that I have won one now! I’ve participated in an AeroPress competition, where I’ve had the chance to use a Comandante grinder. I love the flexibility that a manual grinder has, you can go anywhere and if you have a Comandante grinder with you, you can even make yourself an amazing cup of coffee on the top of a mountain, which is awesome!
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind and Brew Cup?
I love meeting people who have different backgrounds in competitions. I found it to be a true challenge that all participants had to use the same coffee and water, since this highlights the best recipe for V60 and AeroPress.
How was the competition for you?
I have prepared for this competition by using my friend’s Comandante grinder with a “Red clix”, in his apartment. Throughout the competition, I have readjusted the recipe on this grinder, but without this attachment.
The competition was filled with constructive emotions. I hadn’t even thought that I would reach the finals and that I would eventually win. My goal was to test the coffee recipe that I had come up with.
What are your future goals?
I will continue taking part in as many competitions as possible, for latte art and filter coffee. Just like any other passionate individual, I would love to open my own coffee shop where I will work as well behind the bar.
What is your advice for future competitors?
For the future competitors, I would like to tell them to continue being passionate and to keep their goals in mind, to participate in as many competitions as possible, and to not be affected by the results, because you can have a new and better experience that the ones you gain in a coffee shop.
Firstly, through competition, you grow as an individual since you accumulate experience and get rid of emotions. Secondly, you grow as a barista, because just through this are you able to realize what others are doing differently, to reach the top positions in a competition.
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I currently live in Vienna and work at The Good Coffee Society coffee shop.
I am also working on an app project «Kavast app» to help in cupping for baristas.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
I love coffee because it is much more than just a beverage. It is a cultural phenomenon that brings people together, and this sense of togetherness is what makes coffee so special!
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
Since I started working as a barista, I dreamed of having my own Comandante and a half year ago realized this dream. I love this grinder for its ease of use, compact design and reliability. With such an assistant, I am always sure of the results of my coffee.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind and Brew Cup?
Coffee is my passion and I'm glad to be surrounded by like-minded people and share my experience.
How was the competition for you?
I was so excited and honoured to be a part of the championship with so many talented people and I had a wonderful time.
What are your future goals?
Continue to participate in championships, delve into the science of roasting and of course brew delicious coffee in the coffee shop.
What is your advice for future competitors?
Trust your intuition and enjoy the moment!
Jasper Albert S. Reyes
Philippines Comandante Champion 2023
Name: Jasper Albert S. Reyes Age: 24 Hometown: Quezon City, Philippines
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I live in Quezon City, Philippines. I am currently a pre-medicine BS Biology graduate and planning to start my medicine proper next year.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
Coffee is my staple drink next to water (or the other way around lol). For me, it is more than just a beverage itself. What I love about it is the sensory experience and the connection it gives, which creates a new experience and enjoyment in a cup.
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
I’ve been using a Comandante C40 MK4 Liquid Amber for a year already. What I like about it is the universality of clicks shared among other fellow Comandante users. This feature allows me to replicate or brew with the same parameters that others use for a certain cup of coffee. Another aspect that I appreciate is its robust quality, as it is built to last, providing me with confidence and reliability.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind and Brew Cup?
The thought of considering it as a training ground, a never-ending improvement. I won’t be able to validate my knowledge of coffee brewing just by brewing at home. I need proper judgement or insights from other enthusiasts and professionals. Another reason why I applied is because of my support system (shoutout to my family and especially my girlfriend who are always there for me).
How was the competition for you?
It was really fun! Even though I was a bit nervous, the moment when most or all of the judges chose my competing cup brought relief and made me proud of myself. It indicates that I brewed that cup really well.
What are your future goals?
My future goals include winning more coffee competitions, attending more coffee events and workshops, sharing and spreading awareness about specialty coffee, and eventually opening a cafe soon.
What is your advice for future competitors?
Don't aim for perfection; aim first for mindful progress, which will eventually lead to perfection. Always explore and try different brewers and parameters. Lastly, it may be a cliche, but truly just enjoy brewing and competing!
Name: Cristian Camilo Cuervo Hincapié Age: 34 Hometown: I am from Colombia but I live in the Canary Islands.
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I live on the island of Gran Canaria, I am a barista at Coffe Córner.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
I feel very proud to be the last link in a great chain in the world of coffee. I am always looking for the best result in a cup for both my guests and anyone who wants to share a pleasant moment with me with a brew in their hands. I would like to use this opportunity to thank all the coffee farmers, thanks to whom the rest of the world can enjoy a good cup of coffee.
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
I have to be honest, before the competition I only had a few chances to use a Comandante. I really like the ease with which I grind my beans and the homogeneity of the grounds. Thus I am able to get the best out of my coffee beans. And you can really feel it being reflected in the cup.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind and Brew Cup?
Everything has drawn me to it. I love coffee fairs, events and of course championships. When I had the opportunity to sign up for the Comandante Championship I did not hesitate for a second.
How was the competition for you?
In the competition I felt very calm and I had a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the competition format and being able to win the game with two wild cards is just insane!
Name: Marek Żydek Age: of empires :) I will be 31 years old in October so, still 30! Hometown: Katowice, Poland
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I live in my hometown Katowice. I got back here after a few years and established together with my highschool friend, a cafe called "Serwis Cafe & Pub”. We serve only specialty coffee, Neapolitan style pizza, craft beers and cocktails (also coffee in good spirits) :)
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
Coffee for me has three aspects:
1. A great journey in the world of flavours. This means fun in discovery - each cup of coffee I have is always a bit different, and always interesting.
2. It's great for socializing and connecting people. I love this part (as much as the first). it's amazing how people gather and talk, network, have fun or deep conversations. Awesome!
3. It's also a strong addiction, I can't live without it. I drink 4 or 5 cups of coffee every day even if there is no speciality coffee around!
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
I have had a Comandante C40 MK3 Black for a few years know. It totally changed the way I brew coffee.
It let me experience coffee beans as they are. It's amazing how repeatable and consistent grinding it has even after several dozen of kg of coffee!
And since I keep it clean nothing happens with it - looks and works the same way as a new one straight out of the box! Also, I do appreciate that a lot of recipes are made for Comandante users so... you can check them at home!
Why did you apply for the Comandante Championship?
Because I wanted to win the Gold Comandante! :)
How was the competition for you?
Stressful, exciting, amazing!
What are your future goals?
Depends in which area of my life :) It’s a few months to my son's birth, and my daughter is turning two years old soon (so exciting!). And for coffee? More and more coffee, championships, people and coffee once more!
What is your advice for future competitors?
Trust yourself, and brew a coffee you would like to drink - after all, that's what really matters
Trinh Kim Binh
Vietnamese Comandante Champion 2023
Name: Trinh Kim Binh Age: 22 Hometown: Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I’m an operation staff member for a local roastery called LibeRain Coffee. It’s located in Ho Chi Minh City.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
In the beginning, coffee to me was just like an energy drink. I just consumed it for playing sports or work. Then I realized I enjoy making coffee. All the elements such as sound, and smell… bring me relaxation. I found peace in coffee.
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
We have a C40 MK4 Comandante grinder in our roastery. It’s always my first choice for making coffee. The grinder looks pretty cool and comes with high quality. It helps me a lot in finding my own recipes.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Championship?
I don't feel comfortable when I stand in front of a crowd, my heart rate will fly up, hands will tremble. It’s just a nightmare for me. I applied for the competition to solve that problem. For me, the Comandante Championship was an opportunity to help me go through my fear.
How was the competition for you?
I suffered a lot because I was so stressed and nervous. This was my first competition ever. Luckily, I won the prize and had for me a trophy.
What are your future goals?
Just keep practicing and improving myself.
What is your advice for future competitors?
Believe in yourself, trust your process.
Name: Afiq Ashman Age: 29 Hometown: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I own a coffee shop called Monét. Started my own business during covid, I’ve been a barista for almost 3 years but every day is still a learning process and experience.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
Coffee to me is a culture itself, I feel as though it brings people together - may it be bonding over coffee, or getting a coffee fix first thing in the morning. I love that just through coffee, many opportunities have opened up for me. I met so many people along the way that I hold close to my heart too!
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
It was my first time using it, but despite that, I found it easy and convenient to use! I like the size and weight of it as well, it’s compact yet a good size to take it anywhere on the go!
Why did you apply for the Comandante Championship?
I decided to join mainly for the experience, I knew it was something new for me but I also knew that there’s always room for new knowledge.
How was the competition for you?
It was really fun! I enjoyed every moment because glad to see how our coffee community brings together as one.
What are your future goals?
The future is to bring more awareness towards specialty coffee in Malaysia 🇲🇾
What is your advice for future competitors?
I know it’s easier said than done but just go for it. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the game, or if you’ve been in it for years; you never know where it could take you. It’s important to make peace with the possibility of not winning as well, you should always be proud of yourself for the journey rather than solely on the destination.
Name: Jesús Tomás Collado Zymnis Age: 35 Hometown: Born in Madrid, and raised in Athens.
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I work for a tech company and my role is customer success and account management, I live in London.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
Coffee for me is a way to disconnect from day-to-day worries, it helps me relax. What I love the most about coffee is that each coffee is never the same (origin, process, varietal etc) and that makes me want to learn and taste more.
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
I have been using my Comandante as (95%) daily grinder for the past year or so and what I love the most is the consistency and the fact that there are so many recipes online based on Comandante clicks that makes it easier to then replicate a recipe.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
I applied because I wanted to see how it will be to compete in coffee, I have never competed before. And have a good time.
How was the competition for you?
The competition was super fun, but at the same time quite stressful for me because I wanted to do well and it was my first time competing. Overall, it was an amazing experience, I met great people and had the opportunity to compete with well-known professionals.
What are your future goals?
I have already started looking and discussing with friends about the Brewers Cup to compete here in the UK and also will compete in London (UK) AeroPress Championship soon.
What is your advice for future competitors?
Regardless if you are a home brewer like me or a coffee professional, just enjoy the competition and brew some coffee like you do at home or at the cafe. It’s all about having fun and creating a nice community.
Name: Mark Kutrovski Age: 27 Hometown: Bellingham, WA
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I own a coffee roasting company called Mirror Coffee Roasters with my brother Sergei here in Bellingham, WA. I also own a creative agency where I help brands create video content and distribute it across social media platforms.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
Coffee to me is a craft and a point of connection. From the producer to the final cup, there’s so much nuance, craftsmanship, and connection throughout the whole process. It’s relational. It builds a bridge between people. I love that coffee is both a craft always get better at and a touch point with people around the world.
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
My brother was the first person to tell me about Comandante grinders, and I was intrigued by the thought of a really great hand grinder. I bought him a C40 MK4 a few years ago and he loved it. I finally picked up a Trailmaster at SCA 2023 since I enjoy travelling and brewing outdoors. I love the flavor profile and grind quality of the Comandante grinders. It’s exceptional. Since getting my grinder, I’ve been using it almost daily and love it. My filter coffee tastes phenomenal!
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
I actually had no idea this was a thing until my brother mentioned it to me who also competed in the same competition. I don’t have much experience pouring latte art so I thought this might be a fun competition for me to compete in that I have a little more experience with.
How was the competition for you?
The competition was so much fun. I enjoyed the atmosphere, excitement, and overall experience. This has inspired me to compete more!
What are your future goals?
I’m focused on growing our roasting operation here at Mirror with my brother as well as scaling my creative agency. I’m also considering competing at the US coffee championships, but that’s still up for debate.
What is your advice for future competitors?
Show up to have fun and don’t stress about getting everything perfect. You should practice beforehand, nail down a routine you’re comfortable with, do your best, and have fun!
Johanna Moncaleano Torres
USA Comandante Champion 2023
Name: Johanna Moncaleano Torres Age: 36 Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I am from Colombia and I am a Latina coffee lover. I own my coffee shop ACDT SPECIALTY COFFEE, also located in Colombia, Bogota. There, we sell our in-house coffee as a beverage. We also have our coffee available to export.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
Coffee is happiness for me; it is my hobby, my work, and my passion. As a lawyer in my country, I was not as passionate about what I was doing. Now, working with coffee has given me the tranquillity and happiness I was seeking. What enamoured me about coffee is what it signifies. Not just the culture, but the beauty of the process as a whole. It all starts with the farmers (caficultores), then the lovely chapoleras, they are the ones that pick and choose the coffee cherries. Next in the process is enriching the beans with flavour. The roasters’ search to give the bean incredible flavour and the sensory-skilled individuals select the best profiles. Finally, the barista is given something amazing to create art. As a barista and competitor, I need to learn everything I can about processes and recipes. I search for ways to experiment with coffee to always improve and innovate.
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
When you want to do something amazing and try your hardest to do the best you need to have the proper tools. I started gathering information and searching about grinders and what was going to help me to have the best grind, uniformity, and consistency. When I heard about Comandante Grinder, it was not that easy for me to obtain one in Bogota. I like to compete so I had the chance to try it and I fell in love with the grinder immediately. Its size makes it easy to travel with. It is also easy to use, and fast at grinding. As I said before, the consistency of the grind makes it not only an amazing tool but also an advantage. But hearing about, and seeing with my own eyes, how effective the grinder is made it more than worth it to travel and buy my own Comandante.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
I did sensory SCA certification and they usually send information about events. I saw the Portland Coffee Expo and I knew I had to go. I was already following Comandante on social media, so while I was planning the trip, I saw The Comandante Grind & Brew Cup information. Luckily, it was going to be held on the days I was over there.I like to compete, I love coffee, and I had my Comandante ready. So I signed up online and hoped for the best.
How was the competition for you?
It was amazing, a great experience for me. The people were so nice, the Comandante crew was incredible, and the atmosphere of the place, the other competitors were amazing brewers and some of them were big names in the coffee industry. It was like a dream getting to know these people and that they were just so nice. Then the competition itself tested our skills. We all felt the rush and people that did not know me were cheering and smiling and everyone just enjoyed themselves and were in the moment. At first, I was just thinking about participating, and how this experience would give me confidence and be one of the people representing Colombia in a USA competition. But when it got closer to the end and I saw I had an opportunity to win, I got excited and nervous, because in my mind the competitors in Comandante were out of my league. The prices were to dream of. I was thinking about buying some things to improve my Comandante. It ended up being that I won everything I wanted or needed in the prize boxes. The Comandante crew were all supportive, nice, and caring. That is the best experience I’ve had and I won’t forget all of this.
What are your future goals?
As a barista, I want to continue competing and growing. I am shy, but I love the feeling that I get, knowing that it is something I am both knowledgeable in and passionate about. I would like to keep growing as a barista. I would also like to keep growing my business. Not only on sales but also I want to teach and bring people to the good side of specialty coffee. I am from Colombia, a coffee-producing country, and our product and culture make us very proud. I would like more people to share this passion, this understanding, and more than anything, further appreciate coffee.
What is your advice for future competitors?
My advice is to have fun and enjoy. To laugh and meet the people who are around you. These people are amazing at what they do, they’ve been all over the world and we have so much to learn from them. Love what you do, love the coffee, and enjoy the time you are brewing. You can have fun, but also be professional; coffee is love and is not as easy as everyone may think. When you are given your sample, you have to learn about your coffee and how a recipe can improve it. Analyze always what and how you are doing your brewing, and always be aware that your tools help you to be consistent and get the best out of what you are given.
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I’m running the Operations at a Kombucha startup in Berlin.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
Coffee for me is a happy break, it is a convivial and social moment. I believe life’s reoccurring treasures can be found in rituals and not routines. Brewing coffee – what a wonderful ritual - whether in solitude, with friends, strangers or even enemies alike ;)
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
I tried a Comandante grinder for the first time because my boyfriend has one and loved it immediately! Such a beautiful and precise tool to upgrade any coffee moment. Now with my own, which generously also came with the red axle, we’re finally able to (somewhat) tame our pre-mil. Pavoni Europiccola! So much fun and what a game-changer!
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
It was actually quite spontaneous, as a spot became available due to a last-minute cancellation. So I was initially joining to hang out, banter and connect with some cool peeps, and yeah sure, that golden sparkle, does shine forth!
How was the competition for you?
The competition was a lot of fun. While I was a bit stressed at first, getting into the zone brewing coffees with all the other amazing participants was truly an enriching experience!
What are your future goals?
Actually, I’d love to work in the coffee industry, maybe in an operations-related role, at some point in the future. Currently, I work with premium teas, but Speciality Coffee is something I feel very close to as well. Let’s see what life throws our way.
What is your advice for future competitors?
Believe in yourself, have fun and brew some delicious coffees! And don’t forget: coffee is a game of seduction – gotta play with it.
Andrei-Pavel Popa
Romanian Comandante Champion 2022
Name: Popa Andrei-Pavel Age: 22 Hometown: Chitila, Romania
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I live in Chitila and work as a barista at Steam coffee shop in Bucharest, Romania.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
It is both a way of bringing people together and meeting new individuals every day. I find this passion to be a way of challenging myself and also a way to express myself.
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
It's love at first sight. The design, precision and handling make me love them.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
I applied because I wanted to gain experience and break my limits. I also wanted to put my brew skills to the test in front of me and everyone else that was both watching at the time and waiting for an update back at the shop I work at.
How was the competition for you?
Brilliant! It is always nice to see passionate people about coffee and for me, it was not only a coffee experience but a life lesson.
What are your future goals?
I want to learn more and more about coffee, keep experiencing new interactions with people and I want to participate in the world cup.
What is your advice for future competitors?
Just enjoy the moment and be yourself. Express through your emotions, I was also really nervous during the competition and this only helped me enjoy it all better.
Lucia Okšova
Winner of the First Slovak Comandante Grind & Brew Cup!
Bratislava, August 2022
Name: Lucia Okšova Age: 33 Hometown: Bratislava
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I live in Bratislava - Slovakia. I work with coffee, even when I'm on break.
What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?
For me, coffee means a life journey, a job, but also a hobby. I love the story it comes with and of course its taste.
What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?
Comandante is love at first sight. As soon as I held it in my hands, I knew I wanted to have my own. I am the most satisfied with him, we go on all trips together.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
For love and for that feeling. Comandante is a matter of the heart.
How was the competition for you?
Beyond my expectations, I am very happy.
What are your future goals?
I don't know at the moment.
What is your advice for future competitors?
To mainly enjoy it.
Robert Komaritzan
Winner of the Stuttgart Comandante Grind & Brew Cup!
Intergastra, Stuttgart, February 2020
Winner of the Stuttgart Comandante Grind & Brew Cup!
Intergastra, Stuttgart, February 2020
Name: Robert Komaritzan Age: 32 Hometown: Stuttgart
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.
Alexander Rymarovych
Winner of the Second Slavic Comandante Grind & Brew Cup!
BLCKFST, feat. Bean Liquor, November 2019
What is your name?
My name is Alexander Rymarovych.
How old are you?
I’m 24 years old.
Where are you from?
I’m from Chernihiv, Ukraine. At the moment I live in Kyiv.
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I work as a barista in the coffeehouse, which is located in Kyiv.
What does coffee mean to you?
It is a difficult question to answer... But if to summarize… I think it is a kind of ‘bridge’ between different countries and nationalities.
What do you love about Comandante grinders, and how did you hear about them?
Many baristas spend sleepless nights thinking about the Comandante Grinder. You know, when the dream becomes a reality and the device finally lands in your hands, all you want to do is grind, grind and one more time grind. When beautiful design and detailed engineering come together, it’s explosive. The result is always incredible. Before my dream came true, I’d used coffee grinder with burrs made of ceramic and now I’m the owner of the Comandante Grinder!
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
I wanted to test myself, become better and, of course, meet new people. The most interesting thing was that I didn’t expect to go further than semi-final. The main goal was to do my best to make the sweetest cup I’ve ever made. One cup, two cups, three…and you are the finalist! It was unbelievable.
What do you love about making coffee?
I really like melting into the process of making coffee: high self-concentration, minimum of unnecessary thoughts, only coffee and you. And I really like the flavor of freshly ground coffee.
What are your future goals?
I want to study and absorb as much information as I can, develop myself as a barista and, eventually, become a pro at what I do.
How was the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup for you?
For me it’s a turning point in life. I realized that I’m worth something. Those feelings that I experienced on the day of the championship are difficult to describe. It was my first championship. For me it was something incredible.
What is your advice for future competitors?
Do not doubt yourself. We’ll never know how great our potential is until we try.
Anna Lisa
Winner of the Fourth German Comandante Grind & Brew Cup!
The Barn Roastery, Berlin, October 2019
What is your name?
Anna Lisa
How old are you?
31
Where are you from?
From the Southwest of Germany
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I am an art historian and live in Nuremberg, work there and part-time in Munich.
What does coffee mean to you?
Precision, high quality, something to share, diverse, a topic you always can learn more about.
What do you love about Comandante grinders, and how did you hear about them?
I think I first saw one in a specialty coffee shop and had the chance to use one at a friends place. After that, I knew I needed one.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
Such events are fun and a great opportunity to get to know more people who are passionate about coffee. And – especially as a non-professional – you always learn new things.
What do you love about making coffee?
When I make it with other coffee people, I love to chat about different brewing methods and recipes. If I make it for other people it’s mostly connected to family gatherings or meeting friends which is always a special occasion. And the best part is when they admit it tastes good without any milk or sugar.
What are your future goals?
I want to focus more on my sensory skills and to learn more about making espresso. And maybe participating in a bigger competition in a year or so. We’ll see.
How was the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup for you?
I had a great day at The Barn. All other competitors were super friendly and supportive (I’ve forgot my cleaning brush for example. No problem) as were the people who were watching. That is why such competitions have a great atmosphere.
What is your advice for future competitors?
Make sure you bring a clean grinder. Ask for feedback (while finding the recipe, we tested each other’s coffee). But also trust your own taste. And when competing, stay calm and focus on what you are doing, not the person beside you. Oh and don’t forget your clicks (I did in the first round and had to start all over again).
Nathaniel Ongchuan
Winner of the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup, Manila 2019
What is your name?
My name is Nathaniel Ongchuan.
How old are you?
24 years old
Where are you from?
Proudly from Manila, Philippines
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I currently work and live in Manila, Philippines. Being a home brewer/barista, I
work in a totally different industry from coffee. I work in my family business and we
import steel for different projects around the Philippines. This enables me to use my
free time to enhance my passion of coffee.
What does coffee mean to you?
Coffee has always been my safe space in life. Whenever I make coffee it is when I am
most relaxed and has become my kind of therapy. Coffee is more than just a drink
but it has become a deeper sense of understanding when you see how each cup has
its own unique story to tell when giving out flavours, and finding those flavours is
what makes coffee, an art.
What do you love about Comandante grinders, and how did you hear about
them?
What I love about Comandante grinders is the precision and consistency of the
grind each time, enabling me to dial in the perfect recipe when needed. I also love
the craftsmanship of how each grinder is made! I first heard about comandante
grinders when I joined the 2019 Philippine Aeropress Championships, I saw
everyone with their own comandante and honestly I was imitated by those who
owned one because I was just a home brewer and fairly new in the industry and
those grinders were sleek!
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
I applied because I really just wanted to have the same fun experience of competing
in the coffee industry where everyone isn’t actually competitive, but very supportive
and collaborative in recipes!
What do you love about making coffee?
What I love about making coffee is finding the right brew, it’s interesting to me how
each variable in the brew can make a big impact on flavour as there are infinite
possibilities because in reality, there is no perfect cup of coffee. I also love how
Coffee instantly connects people through conversations!
What are your future goals?
My ultimate goal is to put up shop that aims to spread awareness of specialty coffee
and the third wave coffee scene by giving consumers a more hand crafted and
hands on experience in drinking coffee. To convince the average person that coffee
is not just any drink to keep us awake but to showcase the story and unique flavours
in each cup!
How was the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup for you?
For me, it was both thrilling at the same time fun! Simply because it was a space
where people were constantly just sharing ideas despite it being a competition. I
really enjoyed getting to know the fellow competitors in the industry through a cup
of coffee because we were all just sharing our own take on coffee while battling it
out!
What is your advice for future competitors?
Don’t treat it as a competition, but as humble space for collaboration of ideas!
You’ll be surprised at the results when you focus more on the craft of improving
your brew than winning! Lastly, whatever happens, ALWAYS BELIEVE IN YOUR
BREW/RECIPE!!
Zsofia Albert Winner of the Hungarian Comandante Championship 2019
What is your name?
My name is Zsofia Albert.
How old are you?
I’m 30 years old this year.
Where are you from?
I was born in Szeged, Hungary, but living for more than 10 years now in the capital, Budapest.
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I am a clinical microbiologist in a human diagnostic laboratory in Budapest, where I currently live.
What does coffee mean to you?
Coffee is my passion! Besides, to me coffee is also about the people and the amazing community behind it. I’ve made so many good friends, met countless interesting, inspiring people and learned so much from them – only because we share the same passion for coffee!
What does Comandante mean to you?
Quality, precision and beautiful design.
What do you love about making coffee?
I blame it on my scientific education and background, but I love how you can apply science throughout making a cup of coffee! If you think about extraction yield, TDS, water chemistry, particle size distribution… It’s all science! It’s super exciting to play around with all the different variables, so I can get the most out of the beans I’m currently using.
What are your future goals?
I would like to learn more about coffee, to develop my sensory skills, keep on volunteering on various coffee events and being an active and helpful member of our local coffee community called Filter Club. Of course I would like to compete from time to time as well. :)
And my ultimate dream is to buy an old RV, convert it to a coffee truck and travel the world, making friends and good coffee along the way.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
I’ve competed in “friendly” coffee competitions before, like the Hungarian Aeropress Championship or the First Flow Filter Fight, and I really enjoyed them. I loved the cool vibes, the relaxed atmosphere, and the possibility to hang out and connect with people who share the same passion. Also I figured that I learn a lot during the preparation. The Comandante Cup seemed exactly like these kind of competitions, where everything is more about having fun and enjoy ourselves while challenging our recipes, so it was no question that I’d like to participate and take part in the fun.
How was the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup for you?
I knew it will be a well-organized and fun event, because the hosts have already proved that they are able to organize a coffee competition on the highest levels. But honestly, in the end it exceeded all my expectations. I didn’t prepare much before, because I’ve had neither a Comandante grinder nor a Kalita 155, so I was super chilled knowing I will not get over the first round. To my biggest surprise I got to the semi-finals and then to the final. Winning the competition and seeing everyone’s happy face, that they were cheering for me and truly happy for my victory made it a really special day that I’m not going to forget for a long long time!
What is your advice for future competitors?
Don’t be afraid to apply and don’t take yourself too seriously, just be passionate, have fun and trust your taste buds!
Morgane KNOLL
Winner of the First French Comandante Grind & Brew Cup
– (Back in Black/KB Coffee Roasters, Paris)
What is your name?
Hi! My name is Morgane KNOLL.
How old are you?
I am 29 years old (& my birthday was the same as the championship, such an epic day !)
Where are you from?
Born in Paris, raised in the suburb.
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I am barista Freelance, I've worked in Australia, and new Zealand, and back in France I've mostly worked with Terres de Café the past 3 years.
What does coffee mean to you?
An amazing product with an incredible range of specificities and a growing palet of flavors and terroirs, unfortunately still unknown from the majority.
What do you love about Comandante grinders, and how did you hear about them?
I first heard about Comandante Grinder few years ago by my co-worker at Terres de Café and he completely made me look into it more. (J.Morceau)
I love the accuracy and the homogeneity of the grind settings. Plus the weight made it super solid and well, I am a fan of the design of wood and glass !
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
More like a personal challenge after deciding to leave Paris ans settle down south to work. I was off, in the capitale still, and being curious about what I could give and how I could fit in the competitors range ;)
What do you love about making coffee?
I love the ritual, the search for the perfect cup everytime. I love to understand why and how I can get better with further extractions. And I find it always challenging but also really fun and sharing. You meet people, you educate people, you create new real coffee addicts... Plus I am a serious addict of its smell....
What are your future goals?
For this 2019 years already well started, I decided to move in Bordeaux and work there for some years (will see how it goes..!). I want to pass my Q-Grader at some point and I will definitely compete more. Its a really fun way to share knowledges and meetings actually ! And in a really far future I kind of see myself playing a connection part between roaster and farmers, the development of specialty coffee and the education that goes with it.
How was the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup for you?
My perfect (birth)day!
29 years old this day and a golden brand new Comandante Grinder to use 🤟. And such a huge surprise to end up first regarding the competitors lists !
What is your advice for future competitors?
Like with life, take the championship seriously with fun ;)
And :
Trust yourself, don't get stressed, I will say simply try to make the cup YOU will actually enjoy.
Ruyun Wu
Winner of the First Australian Comandante Grind & Brew Cup (ONA, Sydney)
What is your name?
Ruyun Wu
How old are you?
25 yrs old
Where are you from?
China
What is your job and where do you live and work?
A barista who work and live in Sydney of Australia. But I have to say I had lived in Melbourne for three years. This experience have influenced me a lot as a Barista.
What does coffee mean to you?
I fell in love with coffee when I took my first sip. Now it helps me to understand and connect with society and people in Australia. I guess it will help me to connect with more people and understand the world better in the future.
What do you love about Comandante grinders, and how did you hear about them?
Comandante grinder brings me the superb experience of grinding coffee beans. You will understand this feeling when you are holding it and grinding coffee. You don’t have to struggle with rotating your handle to grind coffee every time. Moreover, Comandante grinder has many other colors and styles. I am still craving another even though I already got my champ special grinder. Most of the reviews about Comandante grinder I have heard are positive, it is the dream baby for every barista. The only complaints about grinder I guess probably once you bought a Comandante grinder, you would like to say goodbye to all your electrical grinder.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
I applied for this comp all because Comandante company made a very cool comp rules video. Of course, for the coolest grinder ever in the world. :)
What do you love about making coffee?
Coffee beans are one of the most magical things in the world. To explore all the magic behind the coffee is the motivation for me to make coffee.
What are your future goals?
To become the world brewer champion and hopefully, Comandante company will make me a special customized grinder when I achieve it.
How was the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup for you?
It was awesome. It might be my best memory after I have lived in Australia. It was my first coffee champion. And also, Comandante and ONA did create an awesome coffee event which I believe every competitor had fun.
What is your advice for future competitors?
Of course, the most important advice is getting a Comandante grinder right now. right now, right. (you need to emphasize the important things three times).
Get to know the grinder, get to know the coffee beans you going to use.
Last but not least, no pressure and enjoy your event with your little but powerful grinder.
Marta Puścian
Winner of the Third Polish Comandante Grind & Brew Cup
(Hard Beans Roastery, Opole)
What is your name?
Marta Puścian
How old are you?
23
Where are you from?
Brańszczyk, it’s near Warsaw. It’s a small village, unfortunately no cafes at all!
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I work in Brisman Kawowy Bar in Poznań for over a year now. My job is being Brisman,
which is kind of a barista but also a bit of a coffee pirate.
What does coffee mean to you?
Coffee is my job, favourite way of spending time, the best idea for a trip. Coffee is a huge part of my life and I hope it will remain so.
What do you love about Comandante grinders, and how did you hear about them?
Comandante is a thing forever! I’m pretty sure that my child will use this grinder in the future! (Of course only when it’s grown-up enough for that!) I love this grinder for grinding speed, precision, and visual aspect.
I feel like I’ve been hearing about Comandante all the time ever since I started working with coffee.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
Ha! That’s a funny story because I wasn't sure if I want to participate this year! It was a bit of luck and maybe a destiny, I don’t know? My boss organized a small internal competition in our cafe Brisman; I wanted to give a chance to other people in my team (it was my second time in Comandante Grind & Brew Cup, and I had other duties at the university). Because of that, I didn’t prepare myself for this challenge too much, I just made a cup of coffee like I always do at home - no stress. It made the best one and I had no choice - I went to Opole.
What do you love about making coffee?
I love to understand coffee flavour, to explore brewing methods, varieties of beans, regions, processes. I love making coffee for people who never tasted specialty coffee before, and see them coming back for another one cup of coffee; that is simply the best feeling!
What are your future goals?
I love to share my knowledge about coffee with other people; I hope to do that in the future on a larger scale. In terms of future competition, I will try to compete again in Latte Arts Championships next year, maybe also Brewers Cup in the future? We will see.
How was the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup for you?
That was a wonderful event to be a part of, and I loved its atmosphere! Big thanks to Krzysztof Barabosz for organizing that event! A lot of people made it fun, special thanks to Mateusz Dąbek! Thanks to the judges for choosing my cup, it’s a nice feeling to know that someone skilled in coffee tasting liked my coffee, and of course, thanks to you guys! Thanks for creating this event in Poland! Joe thank you for your care and support!
Winning the competition was also a really special thing for me, personally. Before the final round I said to myself: ‘If I’m going to win this, I’ll propose to my boyfriend with the golden grinder!’ That’s exactly what happened and he said yes!
What is your advice for future competitors?
Brew a lot of coffee, try a lot of coffee, have fun and drink gin & tonic!
Mihnea Ioan NICOLESCU
Winner of the Comandante Championship
Bucharest, Romania 2018
What is your name?
Mihnea Ioan NICOLESCU
How old are you?
40
Where are you from?
Bucharest, Romania
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I am a lecturer at “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, and also work as a scientific researcher at National Institute of Pathology. I am currently leading the Histology and Regenerative Dentistry Division from the Dental Medicine Faculty.
I basically teach dental students about cells and tissues and their importance in overall human body architecture.
I also enjoy communicating science and translating scientific facts and data into simple & logical presentation for a wider audience. That was the reason of participating in last year FameLab competition – in which I won Romanian Nationals and the Audience Vote in both semi-final and International Final in Cheltenham Science Festival (UK).
Coffee is, however, among my science interests, too. This year I had the opportunity to be the scientific coordinator of a graduation dissertation thesis about the importance of coffee in taste perception and occupational stress.
What does coffee mean to you?
A passion. A way of expressing my artistic side, hence the preference of alternative methods – V60, Chemex, Aeropress aso.
What do you love about Comandante grinders, and how did you hear about them?
Their precision, look and feel. Each and every coffee lover heard at some point about the Comandante legendary hand grinders. Personally, my first contact was at last years Comandante Romanian Cup, where I was lucky enough to compete using one.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
It is always fun to meet people sharing the same passions and hobbies. I enjoyed participating last year and wanted to try again this edition, too.
What do you love about making coffee?
I find the versatility of coffee making methods to be fascinating. The same coffee can be moulded into different tastes and offer such a variety of experiences by simply modifying a few parameters or choosing another preparing method.
What are your future goals?
To research more about the science behind a good coffee cup and of course enjoy the whole process in the meantime.
How was the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup for you?
Fun. Enjoyable. Unforgettable.
It was my first win in a coffee competition, and for a home barista/coffee enthusiast competing with trained and experienced baristas it surely meant a lot.
What is your advice for future competitors?
Sign up, grind, brew, enjoy!
Enrique Leal
Winner of the First Brazilian Comandante Championship!
Belo Horizonte, November 2018
What is your name?
Enrique Leal
How old are you?
31
Where are you from?
Chile
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I’m a coffee roaster and production manager. I work in We Are Four Coffee Roasters at Santiago, Chile
What does coffee mean to you?
Coffee is a way of life, is a real connection with your senses with your feelings and everything you do, coffee is union with other cultures
What do you love about Comandante grinders, and how did you hear about them?
I love because is perfect, the granulometry for me is his best quality it’s like having a U$4.000 grinder, I saw Comandante in Perfect Daily Grind, but I really know them when I visit Academia do Café in Brasil 2018
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
I’m a really passionate barista, wherever I go, and whatever I do, I will always make coffee.
What do you love about making coffee?
The coffee is like the life, if you give love, love will come to you, when I make a Coffee, I give my love to brewing, and the coffee gives me a surprise with more, always give what i need.
What are your future goals?
Learn more about roasting, participate in the roasting championship. Train new competitors.
How was the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup for you?
It was a really good, fun and different experience, at most of competitions the competitors are more reserved people, there we help each other, laughed together and we were all happy, that’s unique.
What is your advice for future competitors?
Being a barista is a way of life. Enjoy the competition like you enjoy making a coffee for someone you love, enjoy with the others competitors as your friends. The comandante championship is a really wonderful experience so the word is ENJOY!.
Sergey Korol
SERGEY KOROL WINNER OF THE FIRST SLAVIC COMANDANTE CHAMPIONSHIP
MINSK, BELARUS 2018
What is your name?
Sergey Korol.
How old are you?
25.
Where are you from?
I’m from Belarus.
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I’m a barista, live and work in Minsk.
What does coffee mean to you?
Coffee really means a lot to me. It became my craft, which I’m very much passionate about. And I always say that coffee is about love.
What do you love about Comandante grinders, and how did you hear about them?
I first heard about Comandante grinders during one of the local coffee battles, and that’s how the love started. I absolutely adore how this tiny device is able to deliver a perfect grinding performance. This grinder is amazingly well-thought-out: starting from the unbeatable engineering and ending with elegant design.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
I do think that it’s important to push yourself constantly in order to grow, so I try to participate in everything that’s going on in my professional field. Besides, this particular championship was organised brilliantly, so I had to take part (read: “to win a Golden Comandante”).
What do you love about making coffee?
I love to see the smiles of my guests when they enjoy their beverage.
What are your future goals?
My main goal for the moment is to win the World Brewers Cup competition of course!
How was the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup for you?
It was organized on the highest level. I would like to thank once again everyone who contributed to this event. I had a tremendously pleasant experience taking part in it.
What is your advice for future competitors?
Simply “go and win!”
Andrei Clenciu
Winner of the Comandante Championship
Bucharest, Romania 2018
What is your name?
Andrei Clenciu
How old are you?
I am 30.
Where are you from?
I was born in Targu Jiu Romania, the city of Constantin Brancusi.
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.
Peter Duran
Winner of the Comandante Championship
BERLIN, GERMANY 2018
What is your name?
Peter Duran
How old are you?
31
Where are you from?
Near Detroit, Michigan, USA
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I’m the co-owner and manager of Isla in Berlin.
What does coffee mean to you?
Coffee is a ritual with transformational potential. The amount of people involved in the entire value chain gives us incredible power to improve the lives of others, if we approach our trade with good intention.
What do you love about Comandante grinders, and how did you hear about them?
I heard about Comandante through the usual sources, Sprudge and other like publications, as well as seeing them at different events and in certain shops. I’ve never used such a consistent, well-built hand grinder.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
I liked the challenge of walking into a competition with no impression of the coffee or water and just making coffee based on taste alone. It was a welcome departure from the weighing, refracting, very scientific approach we can get lost in on a daily basis. I just made some intuitive decisions and got lucky!
What do you love about making coffee?
I love that you get to know your customers’ tastes overtime and can suggest new things to them. Especially, those customers who were skeptical at first and now know what they want and where to get it.
What are your future goals?
I’d like to keep developing the broader project that Isla is. We’re attempting to use a cafe as a platform for showing how we thinking hospitality should work from a perspective of holistic sustainability. We’ve seen interest in our approach develop over the past few years and take this as a sign that we might be on to something. But, who knows!?
How was the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup for you?
Fun. It was a no frills competition that put baristas in the position of not fussing around and just making a hot drink.
What is your advice for future competitors?
Don’t overthink things. It’s just coffee. Trust your taste. If it tastes good, it probably is good.
Joachim Morceau
Winner of the Comandante Championship
OSLO, NORWAY 2018
What is your name?
My name is Joachim Morceau.
How old are you?
I am 31.
Where are you from?
I am from Paris.
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I am a head barista and in charge of quality at Terres de Café. I live and work in Paris. I really try to learn more about each job among the coffee industry to be a complete barista.
What does coffee mean to you?
My life, my passion, my job. But it is also about sharing, excellence, challenge, surpassing oneself and an exceptional product that everybody can drink.
What do you love about Comandante grinders, and how did you hear about them?
Two years ago, I was looking for a real grinder to go on holiday with. I took a look at reviews and saw that the C40 was winning all of them. So I fell for it! :D
What I do love:
the particle distribution, the engineering and the exemplary finish. It is a grinder made and conceived for the coffee enthusiasts who are looking for precision.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
I love contests and I wanted to have fun.
What do you love about making coffee?
Trying to make the perfect cup, closest possible to the terroir, transparent and respectful. And of course making this cup for my customers while sharing this passion that drives us. Trying every day to bring an exceptional experience to my customers.
What are your future goals?
God shot in every cup. :D
How was the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup for you?
I did two recipes in each round so I got to choose the best. For the recipes, I picked ideas from peoples I met during my travels. In each round, I tried a recipe from a barista friend plus one personal. It was a great experience, I was going there for fun but once in it : you focus and you put everything you have into it. Organization was perfect!
What is your advice for future competitors?
2 recipes in each round, you have to be sweating otherwise you are not doing enough. :D
Łukasz Gałęcki
Winner of the Comandante Championship
Opole, POLAND 2018
What is your name?
Łukasz Gałęcki
How old are you?
29
Where are you from?
Łódź, Poland
What is your job and where do you live and work?
I’m a Head Barista at Cophi Solutions in Warsaw.
What does coffee mean to you?
Coffee is my passion, addiction and daily drive. I really cannot imagine starting a day without a cup of coffee. It helps me focus, straighten my thoughts and move forward.
What do you love about Comandante grinders, and how did you hear about them?
I really admire the craftsmanship, precision and consistency of grind. It’s an amazing and beautiful example of smart and thoughtful engineering. I first heard about it about 2 years ago in some local cafe - even still in Łódź - but I really got hooked when I used it for the first time at my current workplace. From the moment I first had it in my hands, I only use Comandante for manual brewing.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?
I wanted to prove to myself that my skills are good enough to compete and test myself.
What do you love about making coffee?
I love how it makes my guests happy and literally takes away their problems for a few minutes. They are together with me in the coffee zone.
What are your future goals?
I’d love to continue competing, master my brewing skills and become an AST and cafe owner someday.
How was the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup for you?
It was a very positive and fun experience. I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much, not even to mention winning!
What is your advice for future competitors?
Trust yourself and the grinder. All the rest might fail you but these two will be always on your side ;).
Andreas Mantzinos
Winner of the Comandante Championship
Athens, Greece 2017
1. What is your name?
Andreas Mantzinos
2. How old are you?
I am 32 years old
3. Where are you from?
I am from Delphi Greece
4. Job and currently city?
I am working as a barista at Hacienda café which is in Herakleio , the capital city of Crete Island , where I also live.
5. What means coffee to you?
It is difficult to describe what coffee really means to me just in a few words! Coffee is a whole new world. A world where I can travel just with a sip of a brew! Every single cup is a new experience.
6. Why do you love Comandante, where do you know Comandante from?
I love Comandante because of its quality, accuracy and its unique ability to cut the beans for a big range of brews .I also admire how gently Comandante ‘’treats’’ the beans in contrast to the electrical grinders. I discovered Commandante in my personal attempt to take homebrewing to a whole new level!
7. Why did you applied for the Comandante Championship?
The truth is that my application for the Championship was very unexpected. However, I applied because I believe that this kind of participations is a perfect way for a barista to share its passion for specialty coffee with other professionals!
8. What is your passion(engine) behind being a barista?
It’s simple…Every single smile that I see at people’s faces when they drink a perfect cup of coffee!
9. What are your further goals?
As I said earlier before I spent a lot of time to develop homebrewing! So my ambition is to help people with my work and my knowledge to learn more about coffee and make them have the ability to enjoy a good cup of coffee in their home!
10. How was the "Comandante Championship” and being a part of it?
The “Comandante Championship” was a great experience for me as it was my first participation to an official competition. Of course the fact that I took the first place, made it even better! At the end of the day I returned home with an awesome trophy but more importantly having met beautiful people, full of joy and love about what they’re doing !And that really actuated me to make the difference!
11. Recommendation for “ Comandante Championship” competitors?
Being cool,tasting and enjoy their brew is the secret!
Fumiaki Nozato
Winner of the Comandante Championship
OSAKA, JAPAN 2017
1. What is your name?
Fumiaki Nozato
2. How old are you?
36 years old
3. Where are you from?
Osaka Japan
4. Job and currently city?
Manager of "Bar ISTA"
Teacher of the technical school
I work and live in Osaka city.
5. What means coffee to you?
If there are good coffee in there, that situation will become litte more happily and more relaxable. So coffee is very good drink for our life!
6. Why do you love Comandante, Where do you know Comandante from?
Because it’s very high quality to grind coffee beans not only for drip coffee but also for espresso. And Thanks to comandante, we have become able to drink delicious coffee "everywhere"!
7. Why did you applyed fort he Comandante Championship?
I want to know that what do many other barista feel about my brewing coffee by using comandante,and how do other competiter use comandante.
8. What is your passion (engin) behind being a Barista?
Customer's smile, and growth of my students.
9. What are your further goals?
World Champion.
10. How was the „Comandante Championship“ and beeing a part o fit?
Comandante Chapionship gave us very valuable experience. We could get knowledge about grinding and brewing coffe, and feel great movement with many barista.
11. Recommendation for „Comandante Championship“ competitors?
I think that it's very important to try a lot of methods without being caught up in prejudice. After that, just enjoy Comandante Championship!
ANIA ŁUKASIK
Winner of the Comandante Championship
Opole, POLAND 2017
What is your name?
Anna (Ania) Lukasik
How old are you?
23 years old
Where are you from?
Poznan, Poland
Job and currently city?
I live in Poznan and I’m working for Lira Cafe Tea&Coffee CO. From Wagrowiec
What means coffee to you?
Coffee for me means pleasure, discovering, gladness and wonderful taste.
Why do you love Comandante, where do you know Comandante from?
I love Comandante grinder because it is so amazingly easy to grind your coffee. Grinding is so regular and consistent. Setting doesn’t make any problems. Clicks allows you to try, setting other users and gives possibility to receive repeatable taste. I saw „Comandante“ at the internet and thought it is amazing. Actually at the „first polish Comandante Championship“ I tried the Comandante grinder fort he first time and I felt in love with it.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Championship?
Actually because I really wanted to try this grinder out. I also thought it is a great chance to meet people which are coffee enthusiasts and fasticated about coffee like I do. It would be a sin to not take par tat this Championship.
What is your passion (engine) behind being a Barista?
Coffee shows me that so many detectors influance the final result and this can be also compared to other parts in life. To work with coffee and show other people also this beautiful world of coffee means satisfaction to me. This is my engin to learn more and more about coffee, grinding & brewing.
What are your further goals?
I will train grinding and brewing more and more and want to participate on further competitions.
How was the feeling to be a part of the „Comandante Championship“ for you?
Comandante Championship is a great idea. Basicly it educate’s people which take part in having fun and be connected. I had a lot of fun also at interessting lectures about coffee the day after at the workshops. All competitors where friendly and nice, enjoying our time together grinding and brewing coffee.
Recommendation for „Comandante Championship“ competitors?
Have fun playing with grinder and focus druing brewing. Do not be affraid to experiment. Good luck!
Joe Mc Taggart
Winner of the Comandante Championship
Berlin, Germany 2016
What is your name?
Joe Mc Taggart
How old are you?
27 years old
Where are you from?
Cambrige, UK
Job and currently city?
Community Manager/Specialty Coffee at Ligatura (Coworking Space), Saarbrücken, Germany
What means coffee to you?
Creativity, for ideas, for bringing people together. It is also beautiful in ist complexity and fascinating because of ist journey, one which joins the lives of complete strangers on different sides
Why do you love Comandante, where do you know Comandante from?
Understated quality created by individuals with a passion for reaching the highest of standards. I discovered Comandante whilst admiring it on a shelf at „The Barn“ in Berlin.
Why did you apply for the Comandante Championship?
I was in „The Barn“ listening to Raphael and Bernd giving a really great, interesting talk about how they developed the grinder and someone came around asking about the Championship that afternoon. After hesitating at first, thinking it was ´pros-only´, T realised that joining in was definitely the more fun option! If you aren#t in it, you can’t win it!
What is your passion (engine) behind being a Barista?
There is a feeling that#s hard to explain when you take great care to make someone something to eat or drink.... I think form e it is a connection to other humans, and fort hem it ist he connection that they feel tot he space, to what they are drinking and eating, and hopefully to others around them too. Ist about bringing people together.
What are your further goals?
My parents and I are developing Saarbrücken#s first speciality Coffee Cafe (www.Brewbrothers.de) in Ligatura (www.ligatura.co), in local Coworking Space so it’s a busy time at the moment building that and spreading our love for great coffee! It would be a dream come true to see Speciality Coffee establish itself in people#s hearts and minds, and I hope to never stop learning new things!
How was the feeling to be a part of the „Comandante Championship“ for you?
Genuinely, it was one of my favourite days of all time! Every single moment was fun, even when it started to get nerve-wracking, and everyone was so nice and in such a good mood! I really hope to take part in another one soon.
Recommendation for „Comandante Championship“ competitors?
Hold the grinder near the top to keep it more stable; count the number of your grind setting. Keep the body pretty still (grind steady) and it’ll usually work faster, since the beans sit more nicely in the burr.
As for how to win? Hey, I really have no idea how I did – I guess just make sure you enjoy it and follow your taste buds! Have fun!