Luca Dumitrescu - Romania

May 18

Instagram: @lucadoomi

Please tell us a little about yourself:

I fell in love with specialty coffee in 2021, when I visited Sloane Specialty Coffee for the first time. Ever since then, I've looked for opportunities to learn more about specialty coffee and, finally, in 2024 I was hired by Sloane. I've been a barista there for 2 years now. Here, I also discovered the art of mixology, which inspired me to compete at Coffee In Good Spirits, for the first time in my life. To me, everything is worth it thanks to one aspect: hospitality. Because hospitality, all around the world, unites communities, creates stories and memorable times. This is what it is all about for me. Good times, fun stories, amazing coffee and, in this case, fine spirits as well. With this ingredients, I believe amazing memories can be formed. Cheers!

What are you excited to do while you visit Brussels?

I'm most excited about the possibilities. The possibility of creating iconic moments, stories to be told and bonds that can be formed.

What are your interests outside of coffee?

I'm very passionate about chess, driving (not necessarily cars per-se, just the experience of driving), doing physical training, spending time with my loved ones and generally engaging in activities that better me as a person.

Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WCC?

Yes, there are a lot of people. I will begin by thanking my trainer, Manos Mamakis. For taking the time and patience to push me into the right direction. For making sure I achieve the desired result. Teodora Pitiș, the owner of Sloane, for making sure I was present and will be present on stage. For providing me with everything I needed to perform. And also, for giving me a chance at becoming a barista 2 years ago, when I had no experience at all. Ioan Stan, my best friend, who's my head barista as well. He took it upon himself to teach me everything that a barista is and should be. Without him, I wouldn't be here today at all. Florin Toader, the roaster of Sloane, who always does magic with roasting. He gave me, for the Nationals, exactly what I wanted from the coffee. Miruna Mihuțoiu, my manager, who provided me with ingredients, tools, moral support, you name it. Ștefan Manole, who was the national champion quite a few times before, and he was kind enough to share some of his wisdom with me. My family, for always supporting me and for allowing me to be my own person. My dear girlfriend Andra, for loving me every single day. For reminding me to take care of myself and enjoy the process, because I can get caught up in work and forget what it's all about. Also, for never letting me doubt myself and encouraging me to keep doing what I love.

What roaster do you currently roast on and how long have you been roasting coffee for?

I never actually had the opportunity to roast myself, however, Sloane roasts on the Diedrich IR12

What is your favorite coffee brewing method and why?

I definitely go for anything that means filter coffee. V60, Aeropress, Syphon, it doesn't matter. Why? I love the versatility it brings, in terms of final result and recipe. A filter coffee allows me to express my creativity better.

Besides your own competition drink, do you have a favorite cocktail?

I don't have a single favourite cocktail. In fact, I don't even have a favourite genre. I have a pretty broad taste when it comes to cocktails. I can either go for a never out of style, simple to prepare, but very complex, like a Negroni. Or, I can go for something experimental, unconventional, like a Bloody Mary. Unconventional, as in it is not everyone's cup of tea. My point is, as long as I'm having a good time, the cocktail is good technical-wise, I will love it!

Stephen .