What makes the best coffee? Champion barista Andre Eiermann shares his secrets

World-beating barista Andre Eiermann shares his secret of what makes a great cup of coffee.

Champion barista Andre Eiermann at work. Picture: David Caird

When Andre Eiermann was a teenager he played tennis against fellow Swiss countryman Roger Federer.

Federer’s career trajectory is well-known, but Mr Eiermann’s was somewhat different.

He earned a Masters in economics and political science at university, and at 26 was recruited by a coffee importer.

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Champion barista Andre Eiermann knows how to make a good brew. Picture: David Caird

This began a lifelong love affair with the coffee bean, culminating in him becoming world barista champion.

In town for the Melbourne International Coffee Expo, Mr Eiermann had the ingredients for

a great cup of coffee.

“It is a very balanced and harmonious beverage where acidity, where bitterness and sweetness are in harmony,” he said.

“It’s not easy to attain. What makes the difference between a good coffee and a great coffee is that a great cup of coffee, once you finish, you want to have one more.”

Mr Eiermann reckons Australian baristas and coffee roasters are world-class. Picture: David Caird

Mr Eiermann, who’s conducting master classes at the expo for sponsor Espresso Mechanics, was full of praise for Australian coffee roasters and baristas.

“We look at Australia and especially Melbourne as the trendsetters,” he said.

“When we look at what you’re doing, it’s like the best practice coffee. We take you as a role model.”

The expo at Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre finishes on Saturday.

@JMasanauskas