The World AeroPress Championships: Marcin Kotwicki
The next in our series of interviews of AeroPress champions and AeroPress World Championship competitors, is with Marcin Kotwicki, the Irish AeroPress champion. Marcin is currently head barista at Legit Coffee Co. in Dublin; he also has a passion for cooking. You can find out more about him on his website and follow his journey on his Instagram: @ancaire_gorm.
Why did you choose to enter the AeroPress Championship?
Like any other competition, I entered with an intention to meet new people, to make new friends, new connections, and to be a part of a community. Of course, to be a winner is a great feeling. Even better when the prize is a trip to Australia. Why an AeroPress? It was my first available competition in Ireland. It was not necessary to be an SCA Ireland member to compete, so I signed up. It was 4 years ago. Since then I have competed in 4 AeroPress Championships (2nd in 2016 and won this year), I have competed twice in the Irish Latte Art and twice in Irish Brewers Cup. Since my first time, I have met lots of great people. Some of them became my friends. I'm really happy to have that opportunity and I'm looking forward to Sydney's one.
What’s your favourite way to make coffee (other than AeroPress of course!)?
I love my AeropPess during my trips, holidays etc. There is nothing better than this light, portable syringe. But, to be honest, at home I prefer to make my coffee in a Chemex. Firstly, it gives me more volume; second, it's much more clear and bright; and third, I like to celebrate my brew. At work, I drink espresso as I can't drink it at home.
What led you to using the AeroPress?
Not what but who… in 2010 during a coffee exhibition in Poznan, Poland, I met Paweł Trzciński from Warsaw. He was, at that time, a Polish AeroPress Champion and he gave his speech during that exhibition. His speech was so fascinating that I was sure that I had to grab all the equipment to brew coffee myself. Not only the AeroPress but French press, Drippers, and Chemex. Thank you, Paweł!
Which grinder will you use for the competition and why?
I might use my Comandante Nitro Blade as this is the best hand grinder on the market. But, I might use the Mahlkonig EK 43 as this is the best electric grinder on the market. I have not yet decided. We will see.
How did you get in to the coffee industry?
I have been in the catering business since 1997; so, naturally, coffee was [part of] my work all the time. But again, in 2010 and [during] that coffee exhibition in Poznan I was pushed into the coffee business. But I'm still with other sectors like wine and food.
What are you most excited about in coffee?
I'd say diversity. That how many flavours and aromas can be shown in the cup is amazing. Obviously, I have my own, favourite, ones but the numbers of possibilities are fantastic. Also, coffee brings people together. If you think about your first date, business meeting, or family meetings...all of them more than likely are accompanied by a cup of coffee.