USBC Competitor Brady MacDonald, Olympia Coffee Roasting Co.

SprudgeLive’s coverage of the 2015 United States Barista Championship is made possible by direct support from Nuova Simonelli, Cafe Imports, and Bonavita.  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 the Specialty Coffee Association of America, who produce these extraordinary events.

We reached out to each of the 2015 US 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!

BRADY MACDONALD

Company: Olympia Coffee Roasting Co.
Number of years behind the bar: 9
Number of competitions: This is my third

I ranked very low in NW in 2011 (?)
ranked 7th in NW last season
And ranked 2nd in NW this year

Coffee: San Sabastian Reserva from Colombia

Milk: Tunawerth Creamery from Tenino, Washington

Signature Beverage:

An espresso paired with two washington ingredients- dolce de leche made from Tunawerth Creamery milk as well as an apple cider reduction made from Apples of the “Lady Alice” cultivar.

Secret Weapons: I’ve been eating a lot of bananas

Playlist: I can tell you it’s got a really chill vibe.

Theme: Yeah! My theme is all about learning, respecting each other and acknowledging the beauty of our world.

Total Practice Hours: 40

Coach(es): Sam Schroeder is my employer and friend. He is also competing and we practice and build our routines together. Couldn’t do it without him for a number of reasons.

Fashion: My partner works at a cool vintage store in Olympia called Psychic Sister and She also runs a small bag and accessory company called Rhodie Bags. So I will be wearing some vintage silk and a custom apron she made.

Trivia: Outside of barista work I am really into nature, painting, knife sharpening, and cooking. Things I have learned in all of these areas have contributed to what I do as a coffee professional.

Social Medias: @braideee