Following an inspiring performance at the 2025 World Barista Championship (WBC) in Milan, two
time Philippine National Barista champion, Michael Harris Conlin shares his vision for the future of
Filipino coffee. Conlin, who secured a remarkable 13th place overall and took home the
distinction of Best Espresso in Round One of the global competition, unveils his groundbreaking
invention, The Better Vessel.
Conlin’s performance at the WBC was a testament to collaboration and purpose. His signature
espresso—a complex, harmonious blend of Philippine Liberica and Colombian Eugenioides, co
created with producer Wilton Benitez— immediately captured the judges’ attention. This blend
was lauded not just for its complexity, but for showcasing the untapped potential of Philippine
Liberica on the world stage.
“For a fleeting instant, the world understood what my heart has been trying to say,” Conlin
shared regarding his Round One success. “That cup represented people, passion, and the
power of working together. It was a clear win for every dreamer who has ever believed that
coffee could build bridges instead of walls.”
The core of Conlin’s vision is not a trophy, but transformation, which is embodied by his latest
innovation, The Better Vessel. This revolutionary tool is designed to make high-quality espresso
more approachable and consistent for both seasoned baristas and everyday consumers.
The Better Vessel achieves this by gently and selectively removing the bitterness and harshness
of crema, allowing for a longer, cleaner, and sweeter shot extraction.
“The discoveries we made were never meant to stay on a stage; they were meant to ripple
outward,” Conlin states. “The Better Vessel is a small step forward with a big purpose: to bring
more people into the world of espresso by making it less intimidating and more inclusive.”
For the professional coffee industry, the tool promises to simplify the dialing-in process, drastically
reducing waste and improving consistency. More importantly, this innovation is positioned to
propel Philippine coffee culture globally by setting a new, high standard for quality espresso that
is both technically flawless and universally appealing.
Conlin believes that by simplifying the science and sharing the techniques, he can lift the entire
local value chain, inspiring Filipino farmers and producers to further explore and experiment
without fear.
For more details about Michael Harris Conlin and The Better Vessel, please visit thevault.ph.
