Graham Hayes
Canada
De Mello Palheta Coffee Roasters
Please tell us a little about yourself:
My name is Graham Hayes and I work as an account manager for De Mello Palheta Coffee Roasters, and bartend at Mineral restaurant in Toronto, Ontario. When I’m not competing, you can find me running or biking along the lakeshore and enjoying a coffee or cocktail at a local haunt.
How did you get started in coffee?:
While I was in university, I got started in coffee by working at a coffee shop in a local library. Since I was studying english literature, I found it incredibly useful to be surrounded by both coffee and books. Having been drawn to english literature due to it’s combination of history and story telling, I found that coffee is also entrenched in history, while every coffee has its own unique story to tell.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2019 Canadian Coffee in Good Spirits Competition – 1st place
2018 Canadian Coffee in Good Spirits Competition – 1st place
2018 Toronto Regional Aeropress Competition – 1st place
2018 Canadian East Coast Qualifying Barista Competition – 4th place
2018 Canadian National Barista Competition – DQ
What are you excited to do in Berlin?:
I’m excited to check out the famous coffee shops, cocktail bars, and historical sites.
What was your first amazing experience with coffee?:
My first amazing experience with coffee was at a local coffee shop who roasted in the back of their space. I was overwhelmed by the sights, smells, and sounds of a coffee roastery, having never seen how coffee was produced before. After tasting their coffee, my world was opened up.
Besides your own competition drink, do you have a favorite cocktail?:
My favourite cocktail is a classic Knob Creek bourbon Manhattan.
What coffee-producing country interests or excites you most?:
Colombia!
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
Some of my interests outside of coffee are: running, biking, travelling, bar crawling, camping, and music!
Where do you see yourself in five years?:
In 5 years, I see myself as a better version of my current self.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WCIGS?:
I would like to thank Felix Cha for being the best coach, and Jaimee Noh for roasting the best coffee!
—
