Project Description
United States
Kyle Ramage
Black & White Coffee
Please tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Kyle Ramage. I have competed for the last 4-5 years mostly with not super great results, but last year things really turned around when I fell into being the coach of the 2016 US Barista Champion, Lem Butler. Through that experience I gained not only a great friend, but a coach, and business partner. Through him I also met Jose Gallardo, the most inspiring and interesting coffee producer I have ever encountered. In September we opened Black & White Coffee Roasters in Wake Forest NC. We are excited for our new venture.
What are you excited to do while you are in Seoul?:
Well, compete. Also, enjoy some amazing food, and scoop some Korean sneakers and maybe some cool golf stuff.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2012 SERBrC
2013 SERBrC
2013 SERBC
2014 SERBrC
2015 SERBC – 6th Place
2015 USBC – 18th Place
2016 USBC Qualifier
2017 USBC – Champion
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WBC?:
Oh wow, my wife, who put up with all my craziness. Lem Butler – coach, business partner, friend. Gary Horne – sponsor, mentor, friend. Pacific Foods – sponsor. Acaia – sponsor. Georgia Lee Ceramics – wears. Clockwork Espresso – tamper sponsor. Sturdy Brothers – apron sponsor.
How do you see the coffee industry changing in the future?:
It will likely be very different. I would assume there would be major breakthroughs in grinders, espresso machines, and coffee packaging which will open the doors to even more customers for speciality coffee. Also, climate change is no joke.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:
I hope to be running a successful coffee roaster with a few cafes that does good in the community, the industry, and at origin.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
I am into quite a few things. I love gear, coffee gear in particular. I enjoy learning about and fixing machines. I also play Golf, and Disc Golf pretty regularly. I am also an amateur live audio tech. I am also a committed member of North Wake Church and my faith is quite important to me.
Kyle_Rampage blackwhiteroasters
