Episode 18 - Andre Blignaut

Phaedon, founder of Cape Coffee Beans, interviews Andre Blignaut, winner of South Africa’s inaugural Origami Cup. Andre shares his unconventional path into coffee, including training as a licensed aircraft engineer, spending three years as a missionary, and gaining early specialty coffee exposure in Cape Town through Cedar Coffee Roasters and later Harvest Cafe. He recounts winning the 2024 National Cup Tasters Championship and his work as a trainer and consultant, discussing the importance of practical barista experience alongside formal education and training standards. Andre also details his Origami Cup-winning approach.How to support AndreHere are three ways you can support Andre and help him get to the World Origami Cup:Attend the Origami Masterclass (2026-09-05) or a future event with AndreShop at Cape Coffee Beans using Andre's affiliate linkSponsor Andre through his Back a Buddy campaignResources & linksHere are some of the resources mentioned in the video:Blog: Managing Astringency in Coffee Brewing by Scott RaoVideo: Think Your Coffee Is Bitter? It Might Be Astringent (Here’s the Fix) by Lance HedrickVideo: The Ultimate Infused/Funky Coffee Recipe by Jay KimInstagram: Chris Lee of HIFLUX Coffee (filter paper science)