Adam Metelmann of Pullman Espresso Accessories has won the 2017 Australian Specialty Coffee Association (ASCA) Western Region Barista Championship.
Mitchell Fink of Five Senses Academy in Perth placed second and Matt Gonclaves of Grouch & Co placed third in the barista event.
Baristas from Western and South Australia got their chance to shine in the Western Region competitions, which took place from 29 – 30 October at the Little Italy by the Sea Festival in Fremantle.
In the latte art championship, creativity and definition was put to the test, with Joshua Rivers of Cream taking out the title. Georgina Lumb (2016 Australian AeroPress Champion) of Cream placed second, and Ethan Son of Etro Cafe placed third.
Eisha Ryden-Hale of Blackbox Brewers won the Western Region Latte Art Champion, followed by Alex Loft in second place, and Georgina Lumb of Cream in third place.
To round of a successful weekend of events, it all came down to the Western Region Cup Tasting category, with speed and accuracy of the region’s best cuppers on display.
In the end it was Jordan Lee who took out the top place. Htet Aung of Blacklist Coffee Roasters placed second, and Lindsay Davies of FiORi Coffee placed third.
The winners have earned themselves a place in the National Championship, taking place at the Melbourne International Coffee expo from 30 March to 1 April 2017.
A big thanks to the event organisers, judges, baristas and volunteers for their hard work and dedication.
Little Italy by the Sea is a festival of Italian heritage and culture. For one weekend Fremantle’s Fishing Boat Harbour and Bathers Beach was transformed into a bustling Italian piazza, reminiscent of seaside cities and towns throughout the riveting Adriatic and Mediterranean coastlines. For more information on the Little Italy By the Sea festival and to see the events program, visit www.littleitalybythesea.com.au
For more information on competitions visit ASCA: www.australianspecialtycoffee.com.au