James McCarthy

Who they are

James McCarthy is a highly respected coffee professional and educator, best known for winning the 2013 World Brewers Cup Championship. A long-time member of the Counter Culture Coffee team, he has played a significant role in professional development and curriculum design within the specialty coffee industry.

Philosophy

• Precision in Brewing: Advocates for rigorous attention to detail in water temperature, grind size, and agitation to achieve repeatable excellence.
• Accessible Excellence: Believes that high-level brewing techniques should be translatable and accessible to home enthusiasts, not just professionals.
• Emphasis on Education: Focuses on the "why" behind brewing variables, fostering a deeper understanding of coffee chemistry among students.
• Quality through Sourcing: Maintains that the barista's role is to honor the work of the producer by highlighting the inherent characteristics of the green coffee.

Notable quotes

"The goal is to make the best cup of coffee possible, every single time, whether you're in a competition or in your own kitchen."

Signature gear & coffee

• Kalita Wave: The flat-bottom dripper he famously used to win his world title, sparking a surge in its popularity across North America.
• Counter Culture Coffee: Specifically associated with their high-end limited releases and single-origin offerings used during his competition seasons.
• Acaia Scales: Often seen utilizing precision timing and weighing equipment in his educational demonstrations.

Known for

• 2013 World Brewers Cup Champion: Secured the title in Melbourne, Australia, representing the United States.
• Curriculum Development: Instrumental in shaping the professional training programs at Counter Culture Coffee.
• Flat-Bottom Brewing Advocate: Credited with helping popularize the Kalita Wave as a standard tool in specialty cafes.
• Industry Judge and Mentor: Frequently serves as a mentor for upcoming competitors in the US Coffee Championships circuit.