The yearly Australian Grand Barista Challenge is on again. Every year the best baristas gather to celebrate coffee and espresso flavour. The competition has helped develop Sydney into a global coffee capital. The true winners of the competition are the coffee drinking public, who will enjoy a greater standard in aroma and taste. For the first time in 2012 the new Grand Barista format will include a ‘Soft Brew Espresso’ beverage and a Grand Latte.
This year, the 2012 Danes Grand Barista Championships (DGBC) will take place from 22 – 28 August at the Specialty Food and Drink Fair in Sydney. The Australian and Australasian heats will take place at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Center from the 22 – 23 August. The winner of the Australasian DGBC will win $5000 in prize money
The best baristas from Australia will compete to showcase their coffee making ability. Baristas in the competition have just 10 minutes, down from 12, to create their repertoire of 4 espresso and 4 milk based and 4 latte art coffees. They will be judged by a panel of industry experts on the criteria of taste evaluation, beverage presentation, barista technique, personal presentation and service to judges.
In 2011 the Australasian winner was Sasa Sestic, a roaster/barista from Ona Coffee House in ACT. He joins the ranks of the best baristas in the world. Sasa felt a lot of pressure travelling to Thailand as the Australian representative of DGBC and wanted to make sure the title remained in Australia.
“I trained 3-4 hours a day for 3 days a week and also spent time with the Danes team in Australia perfecting my shots. It was a great opportunity to travel to another country and see the comparison in techniques. I am excited about bringing the title back to Australia with me” Sasa explained.
Entry is FREE to the public and doors open at 10am.A Latte Art competition, Taste Test Challenge and Danes Home Barista Competition supported by Giotto, will make for an exciting day of all things coffee.
