Having claimed 8th place on the World Cup Tasters stage last year, André Blignaut is rearing to go and has his eyes on the National prize once again this year...
Western Cape Cup Tasters Champion André Blignaut is flanked by runner up Leigh Wentzel to his left and 3rd place Taster Waqaar Sanglay on the right.
So, you are on the road to Nationals with an amazing 8/8 cups! How did you approach training for this year's competition?
Just tasting good coffees I’d say. I enjoy good coffee and having good coffee requires tasting and finding ways to get to what you enjoy. I believe that helps me develop my palate.
What was your biggest learning from competing on the World Cup Tasters stage?
That getting 8/8 is a must. The question is how quickly can I get all 8.
What does a day in the life of the current SA Cup Tasting Champion look like?
Work, eat, gym, sleep! Repeat! Nothing out of the ordinary I think.
What are your coffee dreams?
Oh goodness, big question! I think being able to share knowledge, build community and being part of something bigger than myself is at the core of everything I aspire for in coffee. Experiencing some of the international coffee cultures was definitely helpful in shaping a desire for the above mentioned. So chasing some coffee adventures abroad is also a dream of mine.
