Special Guest: Morgan Eckroth

We're thrilled to have Morgan Eckroth join us for Episode 25! Morgan is a content creator, competitive barista, 2022 US Barista Champion, and member of the Onyx Coffee Lab marketing team. In this conversation, we dive deep into the world of coffee competitions, creative drink development, and what it takes to push the boundaries of specialty coffee.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of the US Barista Championship and what competitors actually do during their presentations. Morgan shares her preparation process for competitions. We discuss her creative process for developing signature drinks and how coffee culture is intersecting with the cocktail world in exciting new ways. Morgan offers invaluable advice for baristas interested in competing and reflects on why hospitality will shape specialty coffee's future. Most importantly, she explains why you should never wait until you're "ready" to compete.

☕️ What We're Drinking

We're tasting Kenya Nyeri, a washed process coffee from Mundos Coffee with beautiful tasting notes of grapefruit, mango, and passion. This coffee holds a special place in Jack's heart as one of the first coffees that opened his eyes to the complexity and beauty of specialty coffee.

🎯 For Aspiring Competitors

Morgan's advice for anyone thinking about competition is straightforward but powerful. First, just start and don't wait for the "perfect" time, because competition itself will force you to grow in ways nothing else can. Watch competitions on YouTube while following along with score sheets to understand how points are earned. Consider volunteering or judging at events first to gain insider perspective and lower the barrier to entry. Practice dialing in as many different coffees as possible on various setups, since you'll likely be working with unfamiliar equipment during competition. Follow the current competition season actively, engaging with it like you would your favorite sports team. Most importantly, define what success means to you personally beyond just winning, whether that's skill development, personal growth, or community connection.

🌟 About Morgan Eckroth

Morgan is a content creator, 2022 US Barista Champion, multiple-time runner-up in the US Barista Championship, and a key member of the marketing team at Onyx Coffee Lab. She's widely known for her innovative signature drink development, relatable barista storytelling. With nearly eight years in the industry, she's become one of the most recognizable and beloved faces in specialty coffee, inspiring countless baristas to pursue their passions and push creative boundaries.

Have you ever thought about competing in a barista competition? What's holding you back or what excites you most about the possibility? Whether you're a seasoned barista or just starting your coffee journey, we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

This was Episode 25, marking a quarter of the way to 100 episodes! Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

0:00 Intro

1:37 What We're Drinking

4:33 Who is Morgan Eckroth?

7:38 What is the US Barista Championship?

10:06 How to Prepare for Competition

12:16 Bringing Competition Drinks to Cafe Menus

14:30 Coffee Meets Cocktail Culture

16:53 Morgan's Creative Process

20:23 Culinary Influences in Coffee

21:33 Food Writing, Cookbooks & Coffee Parallels

22:47 Morgan's Journey: From First Shift to Career

24:03 When Coffee Became More Than a Job

25:52 Making Competitions Accessible to Everyone

27:39 The Power of Coffee Community

29:45 Advice for Aspiring Competitors

34:52 Morgan's Favorite Drink

37:50 Savory & Umami in Coffee

40:38 Fostering Creativity in Your Cafe

42:34 Barista League

43:49 How to Prepare

45:24 What Excites Morgan About Specialty Coffee's Future

47:21 The Importance of People & Hospitality

49:17 Outro