David Kim
Canada
Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters
Please tell us a little about yourself:
Born in Seoul, Rep. of Korea in 1990 then moved to Calgary, Canada in January 2013. I’ve been working at the Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters since March 2013. I started as a barista then my role was changed to a roaster in August 2014. I’m very proud of representing Canada as a national champion. Even if I born and raised in Korea for 22 years, Canada is the country that I’ve spent most of my coffee career in and is the country that I decided to live in for a long time. I’ve been competing in various competitions in Canada for the last 6 years and finally made it to a world stage. I spend most of my time working on side projects that are related to coffee, and preparing for various competitions. I play squash or watch soccer when I’m not working on coffee.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2019 Canadian Nationals
1st place, Brewer’s Cup
2nd place, Latte Art
3rd place, Cup Tasters
4th place, Coffee in Good Spirits
2018 Canadian Nationals
1st place, Latte Art
2nd place, Coffee in Good Spirits
4th place, Barista competiton
2017 Canadian Nationals
2nd place Barista
2nd place Cup Taster
2015 Canadian Nationals
5th place, Barista
2014 Phil & Sebastian In-House competition
3rd place, Barista
2013 Phil & Sebastian In-House competition
4th place, Barista
How do you see the coffee industry changing in the future?:
I can see it developing with more investment in higher quality products, along with an expanding market for high quality-high price coffee.
Where do you see yourself in five years?:
I’m planning to start my own coffee business in a year. It’s been a pleasure to grow up in Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters. I’ve learn a lot from here. Also thanks to them for supporting me and my next journey. I will be based in Calgary and expanding the coffee scene here, the city I love.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
I enjoy playing squash, drinking and making cocktails, watching soccer, and listening to music. I recently got into Snarky Puppy and Nils Frahm.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WBrC?:
Sebastian, who has sourced green coffees, and continues to build healthy relationships with producers. Thanks to Phil for all the feedback. All the staff at Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters for their support.
Ratibor Hartmann, who’s been working with Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters for last 7 years. We are very pleased to continue building on this long-term relationship with a passionate quality-focused producer.
Shehzadi, who has been travelling to various competitions to help me on the competition stage for last 2 years. Ben and the Monogram Coffee staff, and Cole and Rosso staff for feedback on my presentation. Thank you all!
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