The Rogue Wave team is holding up the legacy of AeroPress champions as Felipe took 1st place at the Edmonton Regional AeroPress competition hosted by Roasti, and Jessie took home 2nd at the Canmore Regional competition hosted by Eclipse. With these huge accomplishments, they both move on to compete at the Canadian AeroPress Championship in Calgary on Saturday, August 3!
We took some time to chat with them Felipe and Jessie about their experience with AeroPress and competition.
Why are you interested in brewing with AeroPress?
Felipe: It's always fun playing with different brew methods, and I am actually new to the AeroPress. I feel like the combination of percolation and immersion in a compact ready-to-go footprint makes so much sense to me.
Jessie: There are a lot of variables you can adjust and the brew itself is usually pretty forgiving. This means it encourages you to play, and I love playing with coffee!
How did you get involved with the regional qualifiers?
F: Actually, Ply told me about it. After understanding the format and how fun and dynamic it is, I said, "why not?"
J: Impulse. :)
How was your experience competing for the first time?
F: My experience was awesome! I've met so many interesting people backstage. Being able to connect with more local coffee people was so nice. I'm just in this for the fun!
J: It was a ton of fun. It made me realize that most competitive circles are filled with same kind of supportive and passionate nerds (nerds are the best!)
What are you most looking forward to during the comp on August 3?
F: I'm looking forward to meeting new people from outside Edmonton and enjoying my time there.
J: I’m looking forward to putting a face to a part of Canada’s coffee industry. I’m also excited to witness the Canadian champ be called out firsthand. Also, I use to live in Calgary so being able to visit for the sake of the coffee is a sweet bonus.
How are you preparing for August 3? Do you have any fun pre-comp/pre-brewing rituals?
F: I feel like the first thing to do after getting my hands on comp coffee is to cup it and understand where it can go. I don't have any pre-comp rituals yet, but last time I stopped in a pizza shop beforehand, and it seems to have worked. Maybe pre-comp pizza is the way to go.
J: I am preparing by tasting coffee, thinking about coffee, and talking about coffee. Coffee coffee coffee.
Anyting else you'd like to share?
F: No matter what happens at the comp, I feel like it's important to take lots of pictures and enjoy the experience. You're only in nationals for the first time once!
J: I want to say a sweet and gentle thank you to the staff and regulars at RW, they have been overwhelmingly supportive.
Please join us in cheering on Felipe and Jessie. We are so unbelievably proud of you both! 🎉
The competition will be live streamed on the Eight Ounce Coffee Instagram account — stay tuned to their account for more details.