The Roast is a NZ Roaster Guild initiative where we profile one of our members and ask them a series of Questions. This weeks profile is of Amy Nunn who works at Peru Cafe in New Plymouth.
What is your earliest coffee related experience?
I can thank my mum for that she has always dedicated a section of the kitchen to coffee preparation so I guess it’s always been there for me.
When / why did you first get working in coffee?
I started with barista training at the local polytechnic which led to part time café work I’m very glad I got to experience what it’s like at their end of the process and can appreciate what they do it’s not an easy job.
What led you to becoming a roaster?
I just fell into job. I was helping my father work on the roaster and never left.
What do you roast on, anything unique about your set up?
I use a Gothot from the 50’s it is an old manual machine and I wouldn’t do without it they don’t make them like they used to.
Apart from your roasting machine (in its factory floor form), what’s your favourite “tool” you use in your role?
It’s really simple but a tool was made for me to empty the chaff collector and it’s the handiest thing not having to bury your arm in dust every day is life changing.
What do you find most rewarding about roasting?
I love that we get feedback, most jobs you only hear for your boss or colleges and can only get judged on your performance with roasting everybody will tell you if you’re doing a good job or not. It keeps you on your toes.
Talk us through a typical work day
Coffee, check email, coffee, sensory, coffee, heat roaster, coffee, roast, coffee, etc.
What are your roles outside of roasting?
Anything really I do a fair bit with the packaging and help with dispatch and maintenance when they need it and of course horrible paperwork
Have you visited Origin? Any interesting harvest trip experiences or story? or which origin would you most like to visit and why?
The closest I have been to origin is sitting in a pot in my living room, but would really love to get to Peru in the future, it’s strange taking care of the same product with people you have never met I have heard so much about the farmers and would love to meet them, the sightseeing and local food wouldn’t be so bad either.
Any fire stories?
A few, the best by far is when an ember managed to make it to the roof, luckily we have a great team of firefighters in new Plymouth and it didn’t get far we even made it to the local paper.
