Manos Mamakis
Greece
The Underdog Roasters
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I’ve been working in the coffee industry as a barista for the last 8 years. Specialty coffee is my passion and the reason I started competing. I love competing in coffee events because it gives me motivation, and of course is a great chance to develop my coffee knoweledge. As a part of The Underdog Roasters family I have the chance to share my passion and knowledge in Greece and abroad.
How did you get started in coffee?:
I was always fascinated by tasting new flavors. Coffee gave me the chance to explore even more flavors. Then I realised it is a bet to prepare a good cup of coffee and this is what i am excited to do. Prepare delicious cups of coffee every day.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2017 Hellenic Coffee in Good Spirits Champion
2017 World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship – Runner Up
2018 Hellenic Coffee In Good Spirits Champion
What are you excited to do while you are in Brazil?:
Explore the coffee scene of Belo Horizonte, and the food culture.
What was your first amazing experience with coffee?:
I was really fascinated when I first tasted an espresso prepared by my coach Tasos Delichristos a few years ago. I can still taste the flavor in my mouth.
Besides your own competition drink, do you have a favorite cocktail?:
“Negroni” because there is a combination of ingredients that brings balance between taste elements: sweetness-acidity-bitterness.
What coffee-producing country most interests or excites you?:
Panama. Once considered to be a rising star, now is the star. Farmers have taken cultivation to a whole new level.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
Travelling, cinema, and gymnastics.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:
Of course with the same team that supported me from the beggining of my carreer. Being evolved even more and be part of the evolution of the coffee industry. Trying always to be innovative. Continuously learning and speading the coffee knowledge worldwide.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the competition?:
The team of people behind this success:
– Elisabeth Lividioti, the co-owner of The Underdog
– Michalis Dimitrakopoulos, the 2016 WCIGS Champion
– Tasos Delichristos, the 2008 WCIGS Champion
– Michalis Katsiavos , the 2018 WBC Finalist 4th Place
…and of course all the staff at The Underdog, who worked on this together and helped me during my preparation for the competition.
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