The former U.S. Barista Champ shares his top foods and coffee heroes, his at-home coffee ritual, and more.
FOR BARISTA MAGAZINE
Featured photo courtesy of Isaiah Sheese
Isaiah Sheese’s coffee career began in Tulsa, Okla., when he helped a friend open a coffee shop called Shades of Brown Coffee and Art, and continued when he moved to Milwaukee, Wisc., where he served as a quality control cupper and trainer for Anodyne Coffee Roasters. Eventually, he relocated to Omaha, Neb., where he later founded Archetype Coffee.
Isaiah competed in 10 seasons of the United States Barista Championship, making his first appearance in the finals in 2020 and winning the championship title in 2023. He represented the United States at the World Barista Championship in Athens, Greece, in 2023 and achieved a rank of fourth place.
Today, he’s sharing all of his go-to’s and favorites with Barista Magazine.
Favorite Coffee Event
Isaiah: WBC (World Barista Championship)—any and all of them. There is so much passion, dedication, creativity, and camaraderie all around this beverage we are obsessed with.
Favorite Restaurants
Mom-and-pop restaurants that are still doing what they’re passionate about. Simple menus, executed at a high level, and this even includes down-and-dirty greasy spoon restaurants.
Best Business Advice You Received
When negotiating a lease, ask for everything. If they don’t want to give it to you, they won’t. But you’ll never get what you don’t ask for. A good coffee shop that builds and fosters a thriving community is the best investment a developer can make.
Favorite Activities Besides Coffee
Hiking, rock climbing, gardening, spinning vinyl.
Career You’d Have if Not for Coffee
I would have pursued music full-time for a season to see if I could have made it. I’ve played drums most of my life. I played in some decent bands in my 20s, but never put my all in it (because I was) scared of being poorer than I already was.
Favorite Way to Treat Yourself
Get up early, make coffee to put in a Thermos, crush a hike, drink coffee at the top, and reward myself with pizza.
Favorite Silly/Foofy Drink
Don’t hate me; the only time I drink foofy drinks is during comp season. I can get down with an affogato.
What Coffee You’re Drinking Right Now
Edinson Argote’s Advanced Natural Chiroso roasted by Archetype Coffee.
Favorite Food to Cook
Pizza!!!! Making pizza is an art, start to finish, just like coffee. The dough, shaping the dough, sauce, ingredients, and the bake. It can go wrong at any step, just like coffee can.
Coffee Heroes
Smallholder coffee producers! It’s one of the hardest jobs that so very few people understand. They are the true unsung heroes of our industry. Every time I get the opportunity to visit some of our partners, I am truly humbled, inspired, and grateful I get the opportunity to serve their coffee and labor of love.
How You Make Coffee at Home
Pourover using the Lili Coffee Dripper, paired with the Comandate, Apax (Labs) water, Acaia scale, Fellow kettle.
Favorite Coffee Book
“UNREASONABLE Hospitality” by Will Guidara. “People will never forget how you made them feel…” Baristas have the opportunity to make the world a better place one customer at a time.
This article originally appeared in the October + November 2025 issue of Barista Magazine. Read more of the issue online here for free.
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