Melbourne barista and Coffee Training Manager Anthony Douglas from Axil Coffee Roasters has been crowned the National Barista Champion at the ASCA National Coffee Championships.
Officially taking on the title of best barista in the country, Anthony will now go on to represent Australia at the World Barista Championship in Melbourne from 27 to 30 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center.
“This award is a testament to the support and encouragement I’ve received during my nine years at Axil. Our boss Dave Makin is a two-time Australian champion, and he has been my biggest mentor. I’m really proud to be representing Australia and Axil Coffee Roasters at the World Barista Championship,” says Anthony.
Anthony spent months developing his routine for the championships and was judged on taste, technical skill, and presentation. His routine consisted of three courses; an espresso, a milk-based coffee and a coffee-based signature drink comprised of a pomegranate and feijoa syrup, juniper reduction, barhee dates and honey sourced direct from the coffee farm.
“Looking back and remembering my first year in the industry, I was very excited about the competition side of coffee, I found it such a fascinating concept. This year, I really wanted to revisit that fascination with coffee and its ability to create a sensory experience and a genuine connection between the barista and the coffee drinker. I wanted to create an exceptional experience worth remembering,” Anthony says.
The combination, along with Anthony’s determination and proven ability to be both technical and innovative, has led him to be crowned best barista in Australia.
For the first time since 2013, the prestigious World Barista Championship will be hosted by the Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE).
It’s been seven years since an Australian has won, and Anthony has his eye on the crown.
For more information on Axil Coffee Roasters, visit www.axilcoffee.com.au
