Irish Barista Champion Colin Harmon on Winning WBC

Ever wondered what it takes to go from a high-paying job to running your own coffee shop—and winning international awards? Colin Harmon left a lucrative career in finance, sold his car, and opened a coffee shop in Dublin. Today, he’s a three-time Irish Barista Champion at the World Barista Championship (WBC) and shares insights from his unique path in coffee.

The short answer? Great espresso isn’t about expensive gear—it’s about skill. Even with a top machine, making excellent espresso is hard. As Colin says, “It’s like owning a great car—you still have to know how to drive it.”

From Finance to Freshly Ground

Colin Harmon once worked in Ireland’s well-paid financial sector. But he walked away, sold his vehicle, and invested everything in opening a coffee shop in Dublin. That bold move set the stage for his rise in the specialty coffee world. His shop became a hub for quality brewing, and his skills soon earned him recognition on the global stage.

Why He’s a Three-Time Irish Barista Champion

Colin has claimed the Irish national title at the World Barista Championship (WBC) three times. These wins didn’t come from luck—they came from deep knowledge of espresso, customer service, and presentation. Competing at WBC is no small feat; it’s where the world’s best baristas prove their craft. Being crowned national champion three times puts Colin in a rare class of coffee professionals.

What Colin Really Thinks About Espresso

When asked if espresso is “the real coffee,” Colin responded bluntly: “Espresso is the hardest to get right.” He explained that having a great machine doesn’t guarantee a great shot. “It’s like buying a great car—most people won’t drive it to its potential.” His point? Great espresso requires skill, not just tools.

Customer Feedback: Love It or Leave It

Colin gets it: not everyone likes his coffee. “It happens all the time,” he said. And while some might expect a champion to be offended, Colin takes it in stride. “You can’t please everyone. If you try, you’ll end up pleasing no one.” When one customer criticized his espresso, Colin simply asked what they liked—and then referred them to a shop more suited to their taste.

Starbucks, Expensive Coffee, and Personal Preference

Does Colin like Starbucks? “I’ve been to their Seattle HQ. The people are great, and they helped popularize coffee,” he said. But he doesn’t enjoy their coffee. As for price? “The most expensive coffee isn’t necessarily the best. The best coffee is the one you like the most.” He even mentioned trying a rare yellow coffee bean—selectively bred over generations—priced at $8,000 for a 50g pack. “That’s crazy,” he added.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times has Colin Harmon won the Irish Barista Championship?

Colin Harmon has won the Irish Barista Championship at the World Barista Championship (WBC) three times. These victories reflect his consistent skill in espresso preparation and coffee presentation on a national level.

What does Colin Harmon think makes a great espresso?

Colin believes that making great espresso is difficult, even with good equipment. He compared it to driving a high-performance car—you need the skill to get the best results. According to him, having the right machine alone doesn’t guarantee a great shot.

Does Colin Harmon like Starbucks coffee?

No, Colin does not like Starbucks coffee, even though he respects the company’s role in popularizing coffee culture and visited their Seattle headquarters. He appreciates their business model but not the taste of their coffee.

What’s Colin’s approach when a customer doesn’t like his coffee?

Colin takes customer feedback in stride. He says you can’t please everyone, and when a customer complained, he simply asked about their taste preferences and referred them to another shop that might suit them better.

What’s the most expensive coffee Colin has tried?

Colin once tried a rare yellow coffee bean, cultivated through generations of selective breeding. A small 50g pack cost $8,000 (about 50,000 RMB), which he described as “crazy.”

Is espresso really the hardest type of coffee to make?

According to Colin, yes. He said espresso is the most difficult coffee style to master, even if you have a high-end espresso machine. Skill matters more than equipment when pulling a great shot.

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