Café Sommelier by KAHLA
An interview with :
Barbara Schmidt , internationally renowned porcelain designer and in-house designer for 20 years at the German porcelain manufacturer KAHLA / Thüringen Porzellan GmbH
and
Michael Gliss , Germany ‘ s first coffee sommelier and roaster from Cologne , Germany
At first the title of coffee sommelier sounds odd . We are used to associating the term sommelier with wine .
Michael Gliss : The sommelier profession actually covers many luxury products . There are sommeliers , that means taste experts , for wine and also for cheese , water and even for coffee . They are ambassadors and communicators of high-quality enjoyment and work ideally together with the roaster for the quality of raw coffee and roasted coffee .
Barbara Schmidt : I was aware that there are sommeliers for coffee but until now I had not come into contact with their work . I have learnt a lot in discussions with Michael Gliss and other coffee enthusiasts regarding the role of a coffee sommelier with the selection and processing of raw materials into good coffee .
How did the cooperation between KAHLA and you come about , Mr Gliss ? Why did KAHLA decide to get a sommelier on board ?
Michael Gliss : I had been interested in the brand KAHLA for a few years . The young innovative design , the bold material innovations and I am still particularly impressed by the ecological production in Kahla ‘ s location in Germany .
Barbara Schmidt : When we decided that we wanted to develop a range of products for the perfect coffee indulgence , we knew that we would make it better than others previously . It is not enough to simply give a range a nice name , it must also work : with the preparation , with aroma , the development of tastes . And this is exactly why we are glad to have Michael Gliss as an expert in our team .
What does the new range Café Sommelier feature ?
Michael Gliss : The entire product range , sizes , shapes and material thickness are perfectly adapted for the production of popular coffee specialities and for sensual enjoyment . We have set new standards . For example , all cups are designed with an oval shaped interior so that the crema , the golden brown foam , is able to develop properly .
Barbara Schmidt : At first glance , the cups from Café Sommelier do not seem spectacular . It was important to me to harmonise the shape , the haptics and the effect of the cups as tools for the perfect enjoyment . The thickness of the wall is not too thin so that the cup can keep the warmth in , on which the brim becomes slimmer , as a fine edge improves the drinking sensation on the lips .
Launch of Café Sommelier in February 2012 For further information : contact-kahla @ kahlaporzellan . com