“I can feel my heartbeat in my eyes” says one of my colleagues and I have to agree.  My heart is beating in time to the top 30 dance songs in the background.  “Maybe this is the end?” I think, “this time I’ve had one too many” then the bushy bearded and heavily tattooed barista hands me another coffee. OK just one more.

Bringing a coffee addict to The Melbourne International Coffee Expo (with the hilarious acronym MICE) was always going to be a dangerous game to play. Melbourne is arguably the home of Australia’s coffee addiction. The large Italian communities of Lygon street introduced espresso to Australia and today we are a global pioneer of new brewing and roasting techniques.  There are Melbourne inspired cafes from New York City to Paris.  To say that we are an influential coffee city is an understatement.

Featuring the celebrities of the coffee world, MICE has lots of different events each day with a special “community” open day on Saturday for coffee addicts who don’t work in the industry.  There is the annual barista competitions, international brands and local roasters all showing off their goods. The trends of the day are focused around nitrogen charged coffee (delicious and appearing in a café near you soon) and alternatives to milk with almond milk clearly being the most popular new category.  For coffee geeks like us, Christmas has come early.

-Tomas Zagoda
Tomas Zagoda is a filmmaker, writer, coffee addict and tall person who does not play basketball. You can follow him on your social media channel of choice @TomasZagoda

Check the MICE website for the latest trends, upcoming events and next year’s expo tickets.

Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests of Melbourne International Coffee Expo.