French Press Coffee Roasters has been crowned world champions of espresso by winning gold at the Golden Bean World Series in Guatemala. The winning coffee features a Colombian co-ferment with cherry as its base, highlighting advanced specialty coffee techniques. Owner Jeremy Perkins expressed both pride and surprise during the award ceremony amidst U.S.-Canada trade tensions, emphasizing the value of feedback in his self-employed journey.
French Press Coffee Roasters from Vancouver Island recently achieved global recognition as the world champions of espresso, claiming the top prize at the Golden Bean World Series held in Guatemala. The award-winning coffee features a Colombian “co-ferment” utilizing cherry as its base. Owner Jeremy Perkins remarked that the judges likely appreciated the coffee for its balanced flavors, including cherry, almond, tropical fruit, and a hint of chocolate; however, he was uncertain as the judges’ comments were not available at the time of his statement.
The Golden Bean World Series took place in Antigua, Guatemala, from February 17 to 20, 2025. This prestigious competition is open to participants who have previously won gold or silver at regional championships such as Golden Bean Americas or Golden Bean Asia. The winning coffee employed advanced specialty coffee techniques, notably the co-ferment process, which enhances coffee’s inherent characteristics through anaerobic fermentation with additional ingredients. Perkins explained that cherry powder was incorporated into the co-fermentation process, contributing to the unique flavor profile of the coffee.
Perkins expressed surprise upon seeing “French Press Coffee Roasters – U.S.A” displayed during the award ceremony, noting the awkwardness of the situation given the recent trade tensions between Canada and the United States. He emphasized that he had expected to see Canada prominently represented and revealed that the organizers offered an apology as he took the stage to accept the award.
With extensive experience in the coffee industry, having traveled to various countries for coffee-related events, Perkins has participated in the Golden Bean competitions for several years. He previously won a gold medal at the 2019 Americas event in Nashville. Perkins noted that advancements in coffee technology have shifted standards so dramatically that even his former winning Ethiopian blend would likely not prevail today if re-entered.
In addition to his competition experiences, Perkins has engaged in trade missions, such as a recent trip to Honduras, where he worked to strengthen trade relationships. His conversations with farmers about the growing and processing methods have provided insights into potential coffee imports into Canada. Perkins reflected on his lengthy journey in the specialty coffee field, which began in the United Kingdom, and expressed the knowledge he has gained through his experiences and participation in various judging opportunities in barista championships.
In conclusion, French Press Coffee Roasters from Vancouver Island has earned prestigious global recognition by winning the gold medal at the Golden Bean World Series in Guatemala. Owner Jeremy Perkins highlighted the significance of the award not only for its merit but also as a validation of his work. With ongoing advancements in coffee technology and a commitment to international collaborations, Perkins continues to contribute to the evolving specialty coffee landscape.
Original Source: www.goldstreamgazette.com
