We speak to the Australia-based espresso roaster and pitcher designer, who lately received the World AeroPress Championship in Vancouver, Canada.
BY CHRIS RYAN
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Pictures courtesy of the World AeroPress Championship
Earlier this month, espresso rivals from across the globe flocked to Vancouver, Canada, for the 2022 World AeroPress Championship, which examined members to make the tastiest brew utilizing the world-famous cylindrical brewing system.
On the finish of three action- and fun-packed days, one competitor was left standing: Jibbi Little, a Sydney, Australia-based espresso skilled initially from Thailand. A Q Grader, competitors choose, and longtime espresso competitor in latte artwork, Brewers Cup, and extra, Jibbi targeted her competitors consideration on AeroPress this 12 months, and it paid off in a giant approach.
We talked to the brand new World AeroPress Champion about getting fascinated about competitors, approaching the worldwide occasion, and extra. (Anybody eager to relive the 2022 World AeroPress Championship can try the archived livestream right here.)
Barista Journal On-line: First, how lengthy have you ever labored within the espresso world? What’s your present espresso job and focus?
Jibbi Little: I’ve been working within the espresso business for 13 years. At present, my focus is extra on roasting with JIBBI Little Espresso Roasters, and persevering with to supply the JIBBIJUG Milk Pitcher.
I see out of your Instagram that you just’ve participated in lots of espresso competitions. What do you want about these occasions that you just hold coming again to?
For a decade, my purpose has been to give attention to private progress as a result of I wish to stay a extra purposeful life. Yearly, I like to hitch a espresso competitors, as I be taught classes by means of my errors. For me, espresso competitions are about self-growth and self-improvement. The errors I’ve realized from them have been price it.
What drew you to compete within the AeroPress competitors, first in nationals after which on the international occasion in Vancouver?
I took half within the Brewers Cup competitors this 12 months and received third place in my state, so I used to be in search of any competitors to problem myself to be an important brewer. The AeroPress competitors is sort of much like a obligatory spherical within the Brewers Cup competitors, the place all rivals should brew the identical espresso as greatest as they’ll, so I used to be drawn to that.
When you certified for the World AeroPress Championship, how did you put together for it?
I caught with the identical methodology I used within the nationwide spherical and practiced a number of routines earlier than going to Canada. Nonetheless, I additionally practiced so much on the lodge the evening earlier than the competitors. I additionally researched extra on espresso prospects in Canada simply to get myself to know the judges’ preferences.
I noticed your successful recipe on Instagram (it’s listed in full on the finish of this text). Are you able to share some perception into the way you developed it?
My AeroPress recipe is sort of an identical idea I used to current in my Brewers Cup competitions. I used two grinders to grind the identical espresso to get extra advanced taste. For the competitors, my purpose was solely to search out the proper grind measurement to swimsuit that espresso, and I’d tweak the recipe a bit to get the perfect flavors out of it.
What was your expertise like on the competitors in Vancouver?
I’d say it was among the finest experiences in my espresso competitors profession. As I went there alone with out my coach, I felt nice that I didn’t make any errors this time. I spent three hours on apply days and felt very assured and trusted in myself.
I had the perfect time in Vancouver—I like the town. The espresso group right here could be very supportive.
What are your reflections on successful the championship?! What does it imply to you up to now?
Successful the world title means a lot to me. I competed in latte artwork again within the day, when latte artists have been typically perceived to have much less espresso data.
This exhibits I can win a coffee-focused competitors. My successful represents the individuals who have typically felt like they failed in life—however the fact is you solely fail should you cease making an attempt. By no means surrender … however give it your all.
Lastly, what do you take pleasure in doing outdoors of espresso??
Watching Netflix … Korean drama is my factor. 🙂
Jibbi Little’s Successful Recipe: “The Thunder From Down Below” (Supply)
Brewer Place: Inverted
Dose: 18g
Water: @perfectcoffeewater, 92°C
Filters: 1 AeroPress Traditional Filter, Rinsed
Grinder: Two grinders. Timemore at a really coarse grind, adopted by a Kinu grinder at setting 4. Sift the fines out (these fines at 100-200 microns)
Time: 2:10
Espresso: @quietlycoffee x @cafeimports Colombia Finca Juan Martin, Pure, Striped Pink Bourbon
1. Pour espresso into chamber.
2. Pour 94ml of water and stir 35 instances gently.
3. At 1:20, screw on cap and press out remaining air.
4. At 1:30, flip and press for 30 seconds from 1:40 to 2:10.
5. You’ll have about 58-64g of focus.
6. Bypass 90°C water to 150g.
7. Purpose for TDS of 1.3 to 1.35 (it’s superb at this energy).
8. Serve.
Elective: Use extract-chilled ice balls (three on the backside and one on high for complete of 4). It will provide you with a easy mouthfeel.
