Munich’s Master of Craft Coffee: Lisa Sorger of Sweet Spot Kaffee

For Lisa Sorger, coffee has become more than a beverage—it’s a lifelong pursuit of excellence, connection, and community. Originally from New Zealand, she now calls Munich home, where she’s spent nearly six years honing her craft as Quality Manager at Sweet Spot Kaffee. With a day filled with quality control, cupping sessions, education, and competition, Lisa approaches each role with the same passion that first drew her in. However, it’s her belief that coffee is about people that truly sets her apart. She thrives on connecting others, building community, and creating spaces where passion and craft meet—where a single interaction can make all the difference.

Lisa’s love for coffee began with grinding beans every morning using an old DDR wooden hand grinder. What inspired her to pursue a career in this industry, and what did she do before coffee? An accidental introduction led Lisa to Bean Batter, a café close enough for her to peer into the kitchen from home. Initially coffee-averse, it took some time for her to understand the appeal. But six years later, it’s the people and passion (and delicious coffee) that keep her here.

At Sweet Spot Kaffee, Lisa ensures every cup meets the highest standards while working alongside an exceptional team of baristas and world-class roasteries. In addition to her day-to-day tasks, she invests time in coffee education and competitions, both as a competitor and judge. Yet, her favorite project remains connecting people—an endeavor that brings together the diverse array of individuals drawn to this fascinating world.

Lisa’s workdays are filled with special moments of human connection, from contortionists at Cirque du Soleil to high court judges. These encounters remind her why coffee holds such a unique place in people’s lives. “I want to be the best barista I can be, I like to learn… I’m so inspired by the wonderful people around me!” she says.

Lisa hopes her projects instill a sense of community and passion while fostering excitement and fun. Her motivation stems from a desire to continuously improve her skills and a deep admiration for those in her circle. Common misconceptions about the industry include coffee being viewed as merely a hobby or something to do during studies; however, Lisa sees a growing shift towards recognizing it as a career.

Automated coffee shops are on the rise, but Lisa laments the lack of excitement and passion they embody. Fortunately, there is an increasing number of individuals who value human connection when it comes to crafting their coffee. When training others, Lisa emphasizes personal experiences and creating a safe space for open dialogue about tastes.

Apart from coffee, Lisa’s passions include photography, snacks, and mixology—skills she’s honed while working at a bar. Inspiration strikes in Munich’s vibrant bars and fine dining establishments. The upcoming competition season promises exciting collaborations that Lisa looks forward to sharing in the future.

Quick Fire Questions: – Filter coffee or espresso-based? Espresso. – Milk coffee or black coffee? Black. – The most underrated coffee drink? Double espresso. – Favorite piece of barista equipment? A scale! – How do you make coffee at home? Every day it’s different! – Favorite city outside your own for a coffee tour? Any city where I get to know the baristas!

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Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.