Oh hello pals! Welcome to July. We’re smack bam in the course of winter so it’s the right time to convey you some new espresso that can actually heat you up. This month we’ve obtained two superb coffees by the proficient gang over at Victoria primarily based Prodigal Espresso Roasters.
Began by trade professional Caleb Podhaczky, Prodigal kicked off throughout Covid, with Caleb revisiting his ardour for roasting. Quick ahead to right now, their model new roastery is positioned on the base of the Mornington Peninsula, within the bay aspect city of Hastings, solely an hour drive from Melbourne. Additionally they simply opened up an espresso bar onsite which is a should go to.
Apart from their spectacular Hastings HQ, Prodigal additionally has a improbable cafe within the neighbouring city of Tyabb. Subsequent time you end up weekending on the Mornington Peninsula ensure you drop by and go to them!
The Interview
We caught up with Prodigal Founder and Head Roaster, Caleb Podhaczky, to speak about his journey to launching his personal espresso enterprise, the place he thinks the trade is headed and the place the title ‘Prodigal’ got here from.
Inform us about you! What’s your espresso background?
It’s been an extended journey! My first espresso job was in 2002 as a barista. Then I
landed a job at Melbourne’s 5 Senses Espresso in 2007 and ended up changing into
the Head Roaster there. In 2013 I jetted off to Annapolis, Maryland within the USA for
4 years and labored because the Head Roaster at Ceremony Espresso Roasters. Once I
got here again to Australia in 2017 I labored with my good mates over at Commonfolk
and now right here we’re. Oh additionally, I did have a spell within the Barista Championships
again in my glory days! I received the Victoria state competitors in 2010, 2011
and 2013.
How did Prodigal Espresso Roasters get began? Speak us by the method
and challenges.
It’s really a really totally different kinda story. After heading residence from the US I used to be
in horrible form – psychological well being sensible. I’d stepped away from espresso, nearly
misplaced my life to suicide, was hooked on alcohol and in an absolute gap. Residing
on the streets was wanting like a actuality. In 2019 my of us and I chatted about
doing one thing to provide me goal and hope. I used to be 4 months sober and
lacking espresso, so we snagged a 1kg Probatino machine as a passion roaster.
To be fully sincere, all of it moved ahead organically from there. Covid,
staying sober, a wedding breakdown and monetary disaster had been all setbacks
however the course of, total journey, individuals I met and the alternatives have been
phenomenal. It’s essentially the most satisfying and fulfilling factor I’ve accomplished.
What do you think about your most notable espresso achievements?
As wanky because it appears now, the Barista Championships and profitable the Vics
these 3 years opened a heap of doorways for me. It helped join me with
superb individuals and information my profession. It’s taken me abroad, radio interviews,
created jobs and the perfect half… made some lifelong pals!
The place did the title ‘Prodigal’ come from?
I come from a really ‘Christian’ back-ground, the Prodigal Son was a narrative I knew properly. On the level we began Prodigal, I had no actual religion or beliefs. Nonetheless, it was my return to specialty espresso. It’s a bit tongue in cheek. Prodigal principally means ‘reckless dwelling’ which was the place I’d been dwelling for years. Subsequent is our tagline ‘Drink Recklessly’ which can also be tongue in cheek!
What are you wanting ahead to within the espresso trade for the time being? Any
cool traits we should always hold our eye on?
I really feel just like the trade is pairing again slightly. The $200 cup of espresso BS has come and gone, and light-weight roasted lemon juice has come and gone. It looks like the trade is shifting again to a extra ‘approachable’ type of cup – which occurs to be one in all our pillars. I believe consistency can also be one factor plenty of us are centered on, which is big.
How would you describe your espresso to somebody who’s by no means tasted it earlier than?We’ve espresso for espresso nerds and occasional for our on a regular basis drinkers. Easy, approachable and scrumptious!
The Espresso
STEADFAST BLEND
ESPRESSO COFFEE
Searching for an epic go-to espresso mix? That is the one for you! Steadfast is the last word crowd pleaser. A yummy mix of Colombia Arboleda-Nariño and Guatemala Huehuetenango Quetzal make up this espresso of champions. Tastes of butterscotch, chocolate brownie and plum. If you end up at one in all Prodigal’s cafes round Melbourne, you’ll discover that is all the time on the bar. Bangin’ in milk, killer black. Simply straightforward and bloody scrumptious.
Espresso Origin:
Colombia & Guatemala
Tasting Notes:
Notes of butterscotch, chocolate brownie and plum
Course of:
Washed Course of
Recipe:
Dose in: 22g
Dose out: 46g
Time: 31-34 seconds
SUMMERVILLE BLEND
FILTER COFFEE
That is the espresso nerds’ go-to. It tastes like summer season in a cup and simply so occurs to be roasted in Somerville! What makes this espresso distinctive is that it’s really a mix. Prodigal mixed Ethiopia Arsosala Washed and Ethiopia Arsosala Pure to create a scrumptious flavour profile of tropical fruits and booze. Refreshing and distinctive, this filter retains you wanting one other cup. Prodigal additionally pushed growth slightly greater than regular of their filter profiles which saved issues candy and plush, whereas nonetheless having a giant pop of fruit and flavour. Get pleasure from!
Espresso Origin:
Ethiopia
Tasting Notes:
Notes of tropical fruits and booze
Course of:
Washed & Pure Course of
Recipe (V60):
Dose 20g to 320g water
Water temperature 95 °C
50g pulse to centre of the crust each 30
seconds for round 2:45-3:quarter-hour
