(L-R) Jaye Sanders, Johann Chong, Pat Russell, Han Jong Lee, and Jaye Sanders
Photo credit Yuri Yang
With ten seconds in it, Pat Russell, Sucafina NZ, won the 2023 NZ Cup Tasters Championship thereby cementing a doubleheader by being awarded the national title championship in two countries. He last competed in Cup Tasters on the world stage in Maastricht representing Canada, alongside Stuart Hargie, our New Zealand Champion in 2011. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen personal circumstances, Pat is unable to represent NZ at the World Cup Tasters Championship next month in Chicago. He remains our 2023 Champion.
In his place, we are delighted to announce that Han Jong Lee, of Meebz Coffee Roasters in Auckland, our runner-up in 2022 and 2023 will represent us as the official New Zealand substitute competitor. Please join us in supporting our new representative, Han. Pat is happy that Han will be able to represent in his place, noting that he was surprised to win against such a talented cupper. Let’s all get behind Han as he packs his spoon, spittoon, and wings his way to the USA. The World Cup Tasters Championship takes place in Chicago at SCA from 12-14 April.
Save Sunday 4 August for cupping at The Sapphire Room in Ponsonby.
Keep on cupping, coffee lovers, 2024 tickets and new sponsor announcements are dropping soon!
For more information:
Emma Markland Webster, Events Director | emma@nzsca.org
Emma Jean McDougall, Communications and Admin |info@nzsca.org