One other month, one other epic roaster characteristic. This one’s a goodie too! Introducing our pals over at Sydney primarily based White Horse Espresso.
White Horse Espresso was based by trade legends Dominick Majdandzic and Matthew Sprem again in 2008. What began off as an espresso bar, in Sydney’s southern suburb of Sutherland, grew to them roasting their very own espresso and profitable heaps of awards alongside the best way.
THE INTERVIEW
It’s been an enormous couple years for the gang over at White Horse Espresso. First, they have been introduced because the General Champion on the Golden Bean Australasia in 2024. Then they have been invited to Guatemala to guage the Golden Bean World Collection. We spoke with White Horse co-Founder & Head of Espresso, Dominic Majdandzic, about White Horse’s huge win and his Guatemalan tour.
What was the environment like on the awards evening in Collingwood whenever you have been introduced because the General Champion on the Golden Bean Australasia 2024?
I can’t communicate to the environment a lot however can communicate to the feelings of myself and the crew. We have been extraordinarily grateful and humbled to simply accept the award on behalf of the corporate. Everybody has been working so arduous and placing in lengthy hours – it was very emotional. As an apart, the theme from the presentation was ‘out of house’ so we have been all dressed up as fluorescent house cadets – which was enjoyable!
Having competed in Golden Bean for a number of years, what do you suppose contributed most to lastly clinching the title in 2024?
We take the judges suggestions into consideration annually and goal to enhance within the areas which might be talked about. These competitions are troublesome and have strict tips. However, the rules are there for a motive, and are usually a very good gauge as to the standard of your espresso. Annually we glance to enhance by listening intently to the judges.
What have been a number of the most memorable experiences out of your 10-day tour of farms and cultural websites in Guatemala earlier than judging the Golden Bean World Collection?
We arrived in Antigua, Guatemala a number of days earlier than the Golden Bean World Collection started. Whereas in Antigua we climbed an lively volcano named Pacaya and have been served volcano-fired pizza. Fairly a singular expertise! We additionally frequented a neighborhood cafe referred to as Cafe Cafe and have been blown away by their distinctive hospitality. They served pour over espresso immediately at our desk and the avocado and eggs have been subsequent stage. Fact be informed, we did hit up some dangerous road meals spots, together with one specific vendor serving taquitos which appeared a tad suspicious. However we lived to inform the story. Fortunately, no one acquired sick!
After judging the World Collection we took a two day street journey to the city of Esquipulas the place we visited a farm referred to as Finca Nukteja. On that farm, we got here throughout a espresso tree that a uncommon varietal. It was a really dense tree and filled with espresso cherries – the locals didn’t know the precise lineage. We ended up ordering a 60lb bag of espresso from that tree and are presently ready on supply. Very thrilling stuff, watch this house!
Your Cronulla Seashore Mix, Finish of the Line, took dwelling a silver medal within the espresso class. What impressed this mix?
We’ve entered this mix for the final couple of years because it’s certainly one of our absolute favourites. It reminds us of consuming piña coladas on the seashore. The tasting notes are wonderful: coconut and peach, that are largely produced from Finca Santa Monica in Colombia.
Any new insights or inspiration you introduced dwelling?
I used to be impressed by the winner within the filter espresso class. They roasted espresso from Yirgacheffe in Ethiopia. Typically, this award is dominated by Colombian coffees, so it was refreshing and galvanizing to see Ethiopian coffees accomplish that nicely!
We have been additionally impressed by Royal Flamingo, Bonlife, Aethereal Espresso from Alaska, and Alix Nathan from the Mark Spencer Portland Resort Group. All unbelievable roasters from different international locations.
Lastly, what was it like travelling and competing with your pals? Any tales from the street value sharing?
I misplaced my digital camera on our first evening in Antigua after devouring some wonderful road meals within the city sq.. That was a bummer! We additionally visited a very distinctive espresso farm referred to as Carmona Trails, simply outdoors of Antigua, which is a mixture of a big mountain bike park with espresso farms nestled in between the tracks. The hospitality we obtained there was simply wonderful. Our favorite observe was referred to as Black Mamba – an absolute magnificence, however wow… it is advisable to be tremendous match to climb these mountains!
THE COFFEE
Filter Espresso:
Finish of the Line
This month’s filter espresso, Finish of the Line, is a venture impressed by frivolous enjoyable within the solar and tropical vibes. To not point out it’s a Golden Bean World Collection 2025 Silver Medallist! Showcasing notes of coconut and peach, this award-winning seasonal mix transports you to a sandy seashore consuming tropical cocktails – which could be very a lot wanted throughout this chilly climate we’re all experiencing!
Espresso Origins:
Ethiopia, Burundi and Colombia
Tasting Notes:
Notes of coconut and peach
Instructed Recipe for Filter:
Dose: 15g
Bloom: 30 seconds
Water: 240g water
Temperature: 88-90 levels
Time: 2:30 – 3:00 minutes
Ratio: 1:16
Espresso Espresso:
Christmas In July
Introducing one other award-winning espresso! This month White Horse is bringing again their well-known Christmas Mix and rolling it out as Christmas In July. This cozy espresso roast has gained extra medals than every other product they’ve ever made. Their Christmas In July model was developed for Thieves however can even be served at White Horse this season – so don’t fear, it isn’t going wherever!
Espresso Origin:
Ethiopia, Colombia and Laos
Tasting Notes:
Notes of peach, chocolate, tropical fruits and cream
Instructed Recipe for Espresso:
Dose: 15g
Yield: 30-34g
Time: 29-31 seconds
Ratio: 1:2
