Coffee enthusiasts in China will experience world-class craftsmanship this May as Grid Coffee partners with internationally acclaimed barista Esther Maasdam for a limited-time tasting event. The week-long pop-up, hitting Beijing and Chengdu from May 15-21, will feature four exceptional single-origin coffees curated by the Dutch coffee champion, offering Chinese consumers a passport to global coffee terroir.
Maasdam, the four-time Dutch Latte Art Champion and 2013 World Latte Art Championship finalist, brings her Rotterdam-based Manhattan Coffee Roasters expertise to this East-West collaboration. The event showcases her signature approach that balances technical precision with creative expression – a philosophy that’s earned her recognition as one of coffee’s most influential figures. Beyond her competition accolades, Maasdam has become a prominent voice advocating for gender equality in the specialty coffee industry.
“The magic of coffee lies in its power to connect people across cultures,” Maasdam reflects. “Before we even meet, we’re already part of a global community united by this shared passion.” This philosophy informs her bean selections for the event, which highlight both distinctive origin characteristics and blending artistry.
The featured Brooklyn blend demonstrates this perfectly – a sophisticated composition combining Brazil’s chocolatey depth with 10% Panama Santa Teresa Geisha, renowned for its floral elegance. The result dazzles with layered flavors: honeyed citrus brightness giving way to praline richness, then finishing with Geisha’s signature tea-like refinement.
From Ethiopia’s highland Shakiso estate comes another standout – a washed process coffee grown at 2,173 meters elevation. This single-origin gem bursts with jammy berry sweetness balanced by strawberry juice acidity, concluding with a crystalline rock sugar finish. Maasdam will guide participants through these nuanced profiles during hands-on tasting sessions.
The collaboration represents Grid Coffee’s continued commitment to elevating China’s specialty coffee scene by bridging international expertise with local appreciation. For attendees, it offers more than just exceptional brews – it’s a masterclass in coffee craftsmanship from one of the world’s most respected baristas.
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