A great barista is leaving the championship stage! For over four years, he hasn't missed a Swiss Barista final. With wit, passion, and meticulousness, he always delivered on point!
Michel is certainly one of the best in his craft. Reason enough to look back and revisit some special moments. In 2013, a young chef appeared on the championship stage. At that time, he had started working as a field representative for a large roastery about a year earlier.
Field representative? Surely, that's Michel Aeschbacher. And probably one of the best out there for coffee. Hardly anyone is as successful as him.
How does that happen? The secret recipe of this young man is actually not a recipe but… authenticity.
And: Michel is perhaps the most enthusiastic person I have ever known!! When he takes on a topic, a matter, or an idea – he does it with full fire and passion.
Michel's passion is unparalleled. In the past few years, Michel told me about his planned championship presentations four times, and every time with such unbridled joy, enthusiasm, and conviction that I would have wanted to hand back the score sheet filled with sixes right away.
In 2013, Michel placed 5th in his debut. In 2014, only Nina Rimpl could narrowly beat him. His Aeropress shisha show will remain in memory forever. The narrative arc of this presentation is second to none.
In 2015, Emi Fukahori and Felix Hohlmann fought a duel at the top, and Michel finished 3rd with a top-class field of participants behind him. His performance and technical perfection earned him the highest score ever given to judges at a Swiss championship.
Technically – the best!
Michel, we have the greatest possible respect for you and your achievements, and as coffee makers, barista fans, and friends, we thank you for 4 great years! At the same time, we look forward to everything that is to come! Because firstly, there are other stages, and secondly, we are very, very happy to work with you and to have you on our team as a course instructor.
