USBC Competitor Ryan Soeder, Intelligentsia Coffee

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!

RYAN SOEDER

Company: Intelligentsia Coffee
Number of years behind the bar: 12
Number of competitions: 1

North Central champion this year.

Coffee: Takesi Typica Peaberry from Bolivia

Milk: Straus Creamery

Signature Beverage:

15g tonic water and 5g cream combined with Takesi tastes like an Orange Dreamcicle!

Secret Weapons: Nah, just a bunch of elbow grease.

Playlist: Still nailing it down.

Theme: The word “coffee” can mean very different things to different people. The Specialty Coffee industry was created by dropping the idea that coffee can be delicious into everyone’s definition.

Total Practice Hours: 100ish? Hard to say.

Coach(es): Stephen Morrissey is a giant and I couldn’t be more thankful for his guidance and expertise.

Eden-Marie Abramowicz is the best team mate a guy could hope for. She has been hugely helpful, encouraging, and inspiring.

Julie Housh went above and beyond to make sure the details were taken care of. Without her, we wouldn’t be able to find the shoes on our feet.

Fashion: Unbranded Brand chinos. Nordstrom shirt.

Trivia: I would but I have to get to practice!

Social Medias: ryansoeder