Baristas Rule The World: Samoliath Cederquist
MoonGoat Coffee, Orange County, CA
Who: Samoliath Cederquist (He/Him)
What: Shop Manager
Where: MoonGoat Coffee, Orange County, CA
Years in the industry: 13 years
If He Were A Ninja Turtle He Would Be: None! He’d be Master Splinter!
Connect: www.moongoat.com • @moongoffee
R!WC: Hould you describe what you do?
Samoliath: As an events manager for specialized coffee, we are mostly focused on education in a subtle and approachable way. Most of the clients we are introducing our coffee to are a diverse range of clientele, including concert venues, music festivals, local businesses, and others who may not typically experience the world of third-wave coffee. The more people we reach the more people we begin to spark the interest in why third-wave coffee is pretty vital to the sustainability of the future of the little psychosomatic seed.
R!WC: What is the best thing about your job?
Samoliath: Serving coffee is a remarkable experience. The average age of a coffee farmer is 65 years old, a result of enduring second-wave farming practices. Within our sourcing department, we've had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of coffee farming across generations as the torch is passed from one to the next. It's equally captivating to witness the growing enthusiasm and curiosity among consumers as they eagerly delve deeper into the world of coffee as we serve!
One notable example is Willie Nelson, whose excitement led us to serve coffee to his friends and family at his birthday celebration. We've also had the privilege of catering to the coffee preferences of esteemed figures like Janet Jackson, Snoop Dogg, For King & Country, the Goo Goo Dolls, and many other idols, all of whom entrusted us to serve their friends and family as we educate them about voting with their purchases with a coffee!
R!WC: What is the worst thing about the job?
Samoliath: Working in the service industry often exposes us to individuals who may be facing personal challenges or unhappiness in their lives. In my own experiences, I have encountered extreme situations, including incidents of violence, indecent exposure, bomb threats, and even threats to personal safety. Despite these difficult encounters, it remains my genuine pleasure to strive to inspire and uplift others through acts of kindness. These interactions, though often challenging, continue to be both intriguing and humbling, reminding me of the importance of empathy and understanding in every situation.
R!WC: Do you have a first memory of when coffee became something more important to you?
Samoliath: Coffee first gained significance in my life during my time working in the industry to support myself through school. It was during this period that I delved deeper into the world of coffee and discovered the profound history behind its cultivation, a history marked by its fair share of challenges. However, what truly captured my attention and stirred my passion was witnessing the remarkable transformations brought about by the third-wave coffee movement.
This newfound awareness and insight inspired me to make a profoundly humbling and joyous decision in my life, one that I continue to cherish.
R!WC: What have you learned about life from working in coffee?
Samoliath: Seeking to unravel the depths of coffee's complexity led me on an enriching journey toward obtaining a Q-grader Certification. This path is an intensely sensory-driven voyage that delves deeply into the realms of flavor diversity, the intricate chemistry of flavor & aromatics, and the profound significance of its origin.
R!WC: If you could share one piece of advice to a new barista, what would it be?
Samoliath: Comprehending "tasting coffee" doesn't have to be intimidating & is not confined solely to the realm of coffee itself; it is an intricate journey that encompasses the broader understanding of flavors and aromatics, all interwoven with our personal experiences. To illustrate this, I often draw parallels to the Disney movie "Ratatouille," where Remi meticulously explores the essence of individual ingredients and their transformation when combined with his brother!
For new baristas ("green-beans" as we call them) or those starting out in the world of coffee, I encourage them to romanticize their everyday culinary experiences. Pay close attention to the herbs, acids, and cooking techniques present in your meals and observe how they stand out or harmonize with one another. By consuming food with mindfulness and intention, you enhance your palate's ability to discern flavors and nuances. This practice enriches your understanding of the intricate interplay of tastes, ultimately deepening your appreciation of the world of coffee.
R!WC: When you aren't at the coffee shop what are you doing in life? Who are you?
Samoliath: Just a regular guy like everyone else! I go to church on the weekend, volunteer on Saturdays, Foster older animals like my sweet old man dog named Bear, read books, listen/collect vinyls & enjoy cooking from scratch!
R!WC: What is your favorite way to drink coffee?
Samoliath: Black! It's fun to explore the different ways to develop the natural flavors of the coffee when brewing.
R!WC: What is your favorite coffee drink to make?
Samoliath: One that is happily received! If it's someone who is used to sweet coffee, I enjoy making them a nice sweet latte that can represent specialty coffee well! If it's someone who drinks Coffee strait it's fun to find a process that brings them joy and bonus points if it's a new experience for them!
R!WC: Is there anything else you'd like the world to know?
Samoliath: In life, many aspects are a practice & not a mastery, from humility to intentionality. It's important to extend this practice of being mindful in the choices we make with our dollars. Strive for intentionality in your spending decisions, seeking to understand the products and causes you support on a deeper level. By doing so, you become an active participant in the ongoing process of revolutionizing our world for the better. Every conscious choice you make with your dollars can contribute to positive change and the advancement of a more sustainable and just society.
R!WC: Are there any other coffee businesses/baristas you'd like to shout out?
Samoliath: Any Third-wave, independent coffee roaster! It's incredible to see how many like minded individuals are striving for a similar goal! Find & support your local roaster!
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