Stephen Houston
Ireland
Bailies Coffee Roasters
Please tell us a little about yourself:
33 years old, Head Roaster for Bailies Coffee Roasters based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I have been in coffee over 4 and a half years.
What are you excited to do in Boston?:
Looking forward to seeing the SCA Expo, compete against the best coffee brewers in the world and maybe try and see some sights other than coffee shops!
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
Irish Brewers Cup 2016 – Finalist (16th Place)
Irish Cup tasters 2017 – 15th Place
Irish Brewers Cup 2017 – Champion (1st)
World Brewers cup 2017 – 25th Place, Round One
Irish Cup Tasters 2018 – DQ
Barista League: Minor Leagues: London – Winner
Bunn UK Batch Brewing Cup @ LCF – Winner
Irish Brewers Cup 2018 – 3rd Place
Irish Brewers Cup 2019 – Champion (1st)
How do you see the coffee industry changing in the future?:
Hopefully the industry will continue to grow bigger, better, more fair and more sustainable across all sectors, from commodity to high specialty.
Where do you see yourself in five years?:
Still working in coffee, still improving, and still competing at the highest level possible.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
I enjoy cycling, being outdoors, kickboxing, keeping fit and spending time with my wife and family.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WBC?:
All the team at Bailies Coffee; my boss Russell Bailie, our QC and coach Jan Komarek, my wife Elaine, and all my family and friends for all their support.
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