2015 WBC Competitor Yoshikazu Iwase, REC Coffee, Japan

SprudgeLive’s coverage of the 2015 World Barista Championship is made possible by direct support from Nuova Simonelli and Viora Lid. All of SprudgeLive’s 2015 barista competition coverage is underwritten in partnership with Square and Urnex Brands. 

We’re proud to serve as official media partners of World Coffee Events.

We reached out to each of the 2015 World Barista Championship competitors prior to their routines, to learn a bit more about them as competitors and coffee pros. We hope you enjoy these interviews!

Name: Yoshikazu Iwase

Company: Rec Coffee

Country: Japan

Number of years as a barista: 9

Number of competitions competed in: 6
Japan Barista Championship: Semi-Finalist (2010), 3rd (2011), 1st (2014)
Asia Barista Championship: 4th

Competition Coffee: A Panama Gesha from Ninety Plus Gesha Estates roasted by Honey Coffee Ltd.

Competition Milk: Smith Brothers whole milk or Twin Brooks whole milk.

Signature Beverage: Espresso, Gesha flower syrup, and an apple infusion. The result is something so fresh and attractive with unexpected flavors!

Secret Weapon: The great coffee that I will be using!

Playlist:
1. Crystal Castles – Magic Spells
2. Computer Magic – Everyone Feels That Way
3. Le Crayon – Cosma
4. Sylvan Esso – H.S.K.T.
5. Computer Magic – Running
6. Joris Delacroix – Air France
7. Tycho – Awake

Routine Theme: Outstanding Flavor

Coach/Coaches: Yoshiharu Sakamoto from ACT Coffee Planning, Japan

Fashion: Haven’t quite decided yet.. I know it won’t be a t-shirt!

Additional Notes: I am really excited to be here right now!

Why do you think you’d make a great World Barista Champion?
Because I have been able to  understand what a special, wonderful product coffee is.

Social Medias:
Twitter: @y_iwase