With two immensely successful Kickstarter campaigns in under two years, GOAT STORY’s founder and CEO, Anze Miklavec is poised to become a leader in coffee product innovation. We were able to meet up with Anze in New York City and learn more about his company, GOAT STORY, and their newest project, GINA, the smart coffee instrument.
Here’s an interview with Anze:
Can you tell our readers a little bit about what you do and your brand?
We are a startup and our team consists of 20 young creative individuals. We all love coffee and design so we are constantly creating. GOAT STORY started two years ago with one very unique and innovative product – the Goat Mug. The community loved the story behind our brand name, which comes from the famous myth of coffee being discovered by goats. Our first Kickstarter campaign was a huge success for us and we immediately knew that we have to continue exploring our passion for coffee. We’ve since fallen even deeper in love with coffee and formed strong relationships with coffee experts and baristas who gave us even deeper insight into the world of coffee.
How did you get started in the coffee industry?
I love coffee a lot. I was reading a lot about coffee and testing different types and flavors. I thought that I knew something, but in reality, I didn’t know anything and still I’m aware there’s so much more to learn. Every day I discover something new. Real exploration for me started when I met a few local roasters – Ales Tursic (Stow Speciality coffee) and Damjan Bizjak (Kana coffee shop). They introduced me to the coffee world from a whole new perspective. From then, I’ve met a lot of coffee enthusiasts and coffee has become my passion.
What’s your favorite type of coffee?
I love all types of coffee, depending on the mood and time of the day. During the day I’m usually drinking pour over, after lunch I usually have espresso, and if I am drinking coffee in the afternoon it is definitely cold drip. I love cold drip’s taste and variety options.
How do you drink your coffee (with sugar, cream or black)?
I would normally have it just straight black. It is the most healthy way of drinking it, and you can really taste its flavor. I only mix cold drip coffee with tonic or whiskey.
What is one coffee gear item (i.e coffee machine, grinder, etc.) you can’t live without?
Gina is the one I could not live without. We designed it in a way that she can do everything; three different coffee brewing techniques and integrated scale.
What is the best coffee shop you have ever been to, where and why?
I really like Blue Bottle coffee shops. I admire their love for coffee and really believe they’re doing their best to create a unique coffee drinking experience with every cup they serve. I also love going to all coffee shops that have their own roaster.
When drinking coffee, do you have a favorite food/snack/dessert to eat, and why?
No. When drinking coffee I really prefer to enjoy its taste and not mix it with anything else.
What is your preferred everyday brewing method and why?
I enjoy preparing pour over coffee the most.
Favorite travel destination in the world and why?
Bali has a special place in my heart. There is great coffee and very good surfing conditions. The whole island has a special energy.
What direction do you see the coffee industry going in the next 5 years? What is the next big trend in coffee?
Coffee is a category that didn’t have that many innovations in the last few years, but at the moment it is evolving very fast. A lot of new roasters are popping out every day and they are offering amazing coffee. Coffee origin and coffee rating is becoming very important. SCAA is also doing a great job with coffee promotion. The demand of single origin coffee and specialty coffee will grow, and there will be a lot of new techniques of coffee preparation too.
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