Vancouver Island’s French Press Coffee Roasters Crowned Espresso World Champions

French Press Coffee Roasters of Vancouver Island won gold for espresso at the Golden Bean World Series in Guatemala with a Colombian “co-ferment” coffee. Owner Jeremy Perkins attributes the award to the blend’s unique flavor balance. The competition showcases advancements in coffee techniques, and Perkins reflects on his extensive experience in the industry.

French Press Coffee Roasters, situated in Parksville and Qualicum Beach, have achieved global recognition by winning the gold medal at the Golden Bean World Series in Guatemala. Their award-winning espresso, a Colombian “co-ferment” with cherry as its base, was lauded for its exceptional balance of flavors including cherry, almond, tropical fruit, and a hint of chocolate. Owner Jeremy Perkins attributed this accolade to the sophistication in flavor profiles but acknowledged he was unsure of the judges’ specific feedback as it had not yet been published.

The Golden Bean World Series, held in Antigua, Guatemala, from February 17 to 20, 2025, is a prestigious competition open to prior gold or silver medalists from regional championships. The event showcased advancements in specialty coffee techniques, notably the innovative co-ferment process utilized in Perkins’ winning blend. This process involves anaerobically fermenting coffee with additional ingredients such as cherry powder to enhance the coffee’s characteristics before the final product is produced.

Perkins conveyed his surprise upon seeing his company listed as “French Press Coffee Roasters – U.S.A” during the award ceremony, which was particularly disheartening given recent trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. He expressed a preference to see “Canada” prominently displayed at such an event, and after a brief apology from the organizers, he proceeded to receive the gold medal.

Throughout his extensive career, Perkins has participated in numerous international coffee events and entered the Golden Bean competitions over the years, achieving a gold medal in 2019 in Nashville. He noted that the specialty coffee industry has progressed significantly since then, stating that if he were to submit his former award-winning Ethiopian blend today, it would not likely succeed.

Additionally, Perkins has engaged in professional exchanges, such as his recent trip to Honduras, where he cultivated relationships with local farmers and explored the potential for importing their coffees to Canada. He emphasized the importance of tasting and evaluating coffee quality to identify processing issues, thus offering valuable insights into the Canadian market. Having spent 24 years in the specialty coffee sector, Perkins reflects on his journey from his origins in the UK to judging barista championships in both the UK and Canada, continually learning along the way.

In conclusion, French Press Coffee Roasters have proudly established themselves as world champions in espresso through their innovative Colombian co-ferment coffee. The victory at the Golden Bean World Series underscores advancements in specialty coffee and the importance of international collaboration in the coffee industry. Owner Jeremy Perkins’ experiences highlight his commitment to quality and his role in enhancing the appreciation of coffee both locally and globally.

Original Source: www.goldstreamgazette.com