Prestigious coffee brewing contest comes to Cork

Thirty-six competitors will grind it out when a prestigious coffee brewing competition comes to Cork for the first time this week.

The Irish AeroPress Championships will take place in the newly-opened Bakehouse Café and Pantry on Perry Street in Cork city this Friday, August 29.

Organised by Badger & Dodo, its move to Cork reflects a growing interest in high quality coffee here.

“We’re four months open now,” says Neil Muscheidt, General Manager at Bakestone. “And we have received a very warm reception from our neighbours here on Perry Street.

“We serve Badger & Dodo coffee which seems to agree very well with Cork coffee connoisseurs who appreciate a great cup of coffee.”

The competitors lining up for the AeroPress competition will receive a very warm reception.

“We expect it to be a fun, lively event,” says Neil.

Three judges will be in attendance to decide the best cup of coffee made by the participants. How will they determine the winner?

“They will do the three-finger count, deciding which cup of coffee they would drink again. It’s a matter of 1, 2, 3. Point!” says Neil.

Like in every competition, there are rules to abide by.

“The competitors must use the AeroPress official device,” says Neil. “It is known for its versatility and portability and ease of use.

“Everyone uses the same brand of coffee bean. In this case it is Badger & Dodo, the brand that trades directly with the farmers, cutting out the middleman,” says Neil.

“The 36 competitors get a bag of mystery coffee roasted and provided by Badger & Dodo, sent to them prior to the competition so that they can practice and perfect their own individual recipe for the competition.

“They get five minutes to brew the coffee, and they can be as creative as they want. After three heats, the three favourite people are chosen for the final.”

The lucky winner will go on to represent Ireland at the World Championships in Seoul.

“The prize is worth around €4,000,” says Neil. “The winner gets flights, three days’ accommodation and a coffee grinder to aid them at the World Championships.”

The AeroPress competition started out as an organised bit of fun in Tim Wendleboe’s coffee bar in Oslo, Norway, with fellow coffee professional, Tim Varney. There was lots of booze, lots of delicious coffee brewed, and lots of fun before the winner was picked.

“The competition grew and grew, developing a national championship circuit run by independent hosts across 60 countries,” explains Neil. “Now it has a huge following.”

Must people have barista experience to enter the competition?

“Not at all,” says Neil. “There is no criteria to enter, or no daunting score sheets to worry about. It is all up for grabs.”

Neil has tapped into the rise of the coffee scene in Cork and there is a huge buzz.

“And there is a massive coffee community in Cork,” he says.

“Generation Z are not all about drinking when they are socialising. Health drinks and varieties of coffee are the order of the day.

“Brunch is the new going out and the standard is that good coffee is expected. Lattés and health drinks are the way to go. Matcha drinks and iced drinks are becoming more and more popular. Once upon a time, the standard Americano was in vogue. Now it is very much lattés and matcha teas.”

What is Neil’s coffee of choice?

“I spent two years in Sydney,” he says. “My relationship with Badger & Dodo started there.”

He is a man after my own heart.

“I like to consume my coffee, an Americano, in a big mug. I might have a latté in the afternoon. The right band of coffee bean is the backbone of good coffee.”

The addition of good Irish milk is the backbone too.

“I don’t agree with all these different milks, almond milk, oat milk, etc,” says Neil. “We Irish have the best, freshest milk in the world. Why not use it?”

Us Irish, and especially us Corkonians, have a great opportunity to ‘shine a light on Cork’, inviting AeroPress competitors from all over the world this month.

“It is a big win for Cork,” says Neil. “Previously, the competition was held in Dublin and Galway. Never Cork. Hosting the AeroPress Championship will give Cork a wonderful opportunity to shine.”

Who can come and see the coffee makers grind it out for the top prize?

“We have plenty of room at Bakestone for spectators,” says Neil. “There are still tickets available at €15 on Eventbrite. Everyone is welcome.”

Bakestone and sponsors Badger & Dodo mean business.

“Being that we are from Cork, we have wanted to host this event here for a while,” says Neil. “This year it’s all happening.

“We couldn’t be more excited to gather everyone together again in Cork to see who we will be sending to Seoul to represent Ireland.”

Get ready to party at Bakestone Cafe, 1-4, Perry Street when the doors open at 6pm on August 29.

“This is going to be a party atmosphere with beer, drinks, a DJ, food, loads of coffee, and even more cráic!” says Neil.

Cost to participate: €65. Cost to spectate: €15. Doors open on Friday, August 29 at 5pm. The event starts at 6pm.