Suzy McGhee of Villino Coffee has been crowned the 2023 Australian AeroPress Champion. She talks to BeanScene about her first job, supporting the Tassie coffee community and the self-confidence you need to progress on the world stage.
- Name: Suzy McGhee
- Nationality: Scottish
- Instagram: @suzybloo_coffee
- Company: Villino Coffee
- Competition: 2023 Australian AeroPress Championship
Q: What and where was your first job in the coffee industry?
A: I started working at Starbucks when I was 17. It was my first full-time job and I worked there for seven years. I actually hated coffee when I first started working there, but I was transformed once I learnt about the specialty coffee world.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in coffee?
A: I was always really intrigued by the sensory aspects of coffee and identifying the specific aromas and flavour notes.
Q: What’s your favourite part of being a barista?
A: Trying to make each coffee the absolute best. I also love converting customers from typical coffee drinkers to coffee nerds. I find it quite exciting educating people on what is available to them.
Q: What’s your go-to coffee order?
A: I absolutely have to have what you Aussies call ‘a magic’ in the morning. In the United Kingdom, we’d just call it a standard flat white. Then I’ll get a batch brew and a piccolo. I remember a time I recited that order to a barista and because of my accent, they brought out a batch brew and a side of pickles!
Q: What made you enter the AeroPress competition?
A: It was a last-minute decision. It was a big deal for us having the competition in Tasmania, because we haven’t had one in such a long time. I hadn’t really competed in a coffee competition before, and it sounded like fun. I also wanted to support the coffee community here.
Q: How did you feel after you were announced the winner of the 2023 Australian AeroPress Championship?
A: I was very surprised. It’s not that I don’t think I’m good or anything, I just didn’t expect to win. I was surrounded by so many talented baristas, which is also such a great thing about the competition, being around so many other coffee geeks. I’m so grateful for all of the support from Villino Coffee and everyone online.
Q: What was your biggest takeaway after competing in the World AeroPress Championship?
A: That I should plan to get further than I think. The same thing happened in the Tasmanian AeroPress Championship in that I assumed I wouldn’t get past the first round. I literally only brought enough water to compete once.
Q: How did you celebrate after the Worlds?
A: I called my partner straight away. He’s not crazy about coffee like I am but he’s very supportive. He watched the whole thing on YouTube. Then we went to an afterparty that AeroPress organised. It was nice to have a debriefing with the rest of the competitors and get to chat to them again before we all parted ways.
Q: Will you compete again next year?
A: Yes. I will need to defend my Australian title.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your coffee career?
A: Winning the Australian competition. I also have a Specialty Coffee Association Coffee Skills Diploma which I’m really proud of.
Q: What advice do you have for any baristas looking to compete in the AeroPress competition?
A: In the wise words of Nike, just do it! AeroPress is anyone’s game, and it’s a lot of fun.
This article appears in the February 2024 edition of BeanScene. Subscribe HERE.
