Staff Profile: Alex Eppenauer

02.23.23

Alex serves as a Roaster at Blueprint Coffee. He has been a member of the team for the past four years. He brings knowledge, passion for the industry, and a strong commitment to upholding Blueprint’s core values.

WHAT PROMPTED YOUR INTEREST IN COFFEE?

My start in the coffee industry began as a way to pay the bills, but quickly I gained interest in the process as a whole. So I began researching and found an entire world of specialty coffee to explore. I became obsessed with the science of brewing and using precise techniques to make the coffee experience better. Ultimately I was able to enjoy my own coffee by understanding where it came from and all the steps it went through to get here.

WHAT IS YOUR JOB TITLE? WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB?

I have been a barista at Blueprint Coffee for the past four years. At the start of 2023, I transitioned into a new role as a coffee roaster. As a self-proclaimed “coffee nerd,” I thought I knew a few things about coffee, but over the past few months, I have learned so much more through my training. I enjoy learning about and experiencing coffee’s chemical changes in the roast process. The most rewarding part for me has been tasting the coffee I have roasted and then comparing the different roast profiles to highlight the qualities of each coffee we want to represent.

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO COFFEE ORDER AT BLUEPRINT?

My go-to drink at Blueprint is usually a double shot of espresso and a coffee (whatever is on the drip). I enjoy bright, higher acidity coffees with fruit-forward flavors because they are the antithesis of most coffee in our market, and many people have never experienced coffee that way.

IF YOU COULD ENJOY A CUP OF COFFEE WITH ANYONE IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD IT BE?

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would probably be John Piper. He’s one of my favorite pastors, authors, and theologians. He has greatly influenced my faith, and I would love to share a cup of Blueprint’s finest (preferably roasted by me!).

ANY FUN FACTS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT YOURSELF?

I love working with my hands and the joy of holding something I have made. Like everybody else, I was bored during the initial Covid lockdown and took on a new hobby, leathercrafting. Now I have a small business where I make wallets, belts, and bags from high-quality American leather, all hand stitched and durable enough to last a lifetime.

I love the timelessness of leather items and how a product tells a story and is so personal to its owner. I could give two identical wallets to two different people, and after some time, the wallets will look different and unique according to how each person used them.

WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS OUTSIDE OF COFFEE?

Outside of coffee and leatherwork, I serve in my church and enjoy nature. I am an Eagle Scout, so I have always had a passion for the outdoors- Hiking, camping, canoeing, and biking specifically, but anything that gets me outdoors and closer to creation.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE BLUEPRINT FANS?

The reason I work here and do the job I do, and create the things that I create, is because I found my passions and really pursued them, and I want other people to have the same level of enjoyment from them that I do. If you want to enjoy this short life we’ve been given, find your passions and pursue them, and use that passion to serve those around you.

HOPES, DREAMS, DESIRES FOR THE FUTURE?

One day I’d like to have my own coffee business similar to Blueprint’s model. I love the chase of perfection and creating a space for people to enjoy the coffee as Blueprint does. The Penrose blend is named after the impossible Penrose triangle because it represents our continuous pursuit of the perfect cup.