Full Name: Carmin Leigh Kühne
Name of Roastery: Brothers Coffee Roastery
What is your roasting Weapon of Choice?
Genio 6
What do you love most about roasting?
I love the challenge that comes with roasting. There is never an exact way of doing it, and you may never get two roasts exactly the same… (this is also the frustration that comes with roasting..). There is such a challenge in researching the coffee and then figuring its nuances out. And then just when you think you’ve got it, the coffee humbles you..
What is your favourite coffee to drink right now?
Depends on the time of day :) My first coffee is a pour over, no milk. And then I’ll have a Flat White when I get to work.
All time Top 3 movies/series/books?
Top Gun, The Blind Side, Drive to Survive
If you have to describe your personality by using the title of a song, what would it be?
Don’t Stop Believin’ - Journey
The Team from Genio had a chat with Carmin recently after she placed 4th in the 2023 A Shot in the Dark Competition:
"I’m 28 years old and I’ve been working in the coffee industry for 8 years.
I started my coffee journey with Ben Ferreira at Brothers Coffee Roastery in December of 2016. From day one of being introduced to the world of coffee, I knew that I wanted to learn more, and after a little time and LOTS of practice I had a new found passion. My entry into this world was learning the intricacies of espresso extraction, milk frothing and packaging many bags of beans.
I came to realize that with anything, the only way to move forward is to have the willingness to try and fail, and then try and fail until you get it right. And then a new crop of beans comes in and you have to start again !
Stepping into the world of coffee roasting has been an exhilarating yet nerve-wracking journey for me. The lack of confidence I initially felt was a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. I didn’t have the belief in myself. Ben who has always recognized my potential encouraged and urged me to embrace the challenge, he has really pushed me to step out and believe that I have the skills and am capable of anything I put my mind to. Up until today I have completed several SCA courses and just so blessed with all I have learnt through this amazing industry.
What added an extraordinary dimension to this journey was my participation in the "Shot in the Dark" roasting competition this year. This competition really allows you to see if you’re on the right track. It tests you and baffles you…because just when you think you’ve got it, it will humble you. So getting 4th place this year really was an amazing achievement! The unwavering support and guidance from my colleagues and friends transformed the experience. They were my sounding board, my collaborators, and my cheerleaders, helping me navigate the intricacies of what The Shot in the Dark throws at you.
Success isn’t solely determined by any particular characteristic, but rather by the belief you have in yourself, the effort you put in and the individuals who support and believe in you…
I’m looking forward to the next challenge!"
