#ASCATop12 reveals nation's top ranked baristas

The Australian Specialty Coffee Association (ASCA) has ranked Hugh Kelly of Ona Coffee the top barista in Australia according to its 2020 #ASCAtop12 list.

The announcement was made on 6 December following the completion of all regional competitions, and a comparison of scores across the country.

ASCA announced David Train as the top ranked brewer, Victor Vu of Bicycle Thieves as the highest ranked latte artist, and Frankie Shi as the top placed cup taster.

The #ASCATop12 is a ranking system that seeds Australian competitors. All Regional winners for each competition go straight through to the respective semi-final of their discipline, regardless of where they place in the #ASCATop12.

The remaining eight competitors go to the Open Heats in each competition at the Condesa Co Lab Australian Coffee Championships. In the event that a regional winner does not make the #ASCATop12, an extra spot will be opened up in the Open Heats to accommodate the 12th highest placed competitor in that discipline.

Due to increasing volume of competitors in each category, the seeding will help decide who gets the precious twelve spots in the open heats at the Condesa Co Lab 2020 Australian Coffee Championships, taking place at Taste Australia from 27 to 30 March. Click HERE for more info.

All Regional winners go straight through to the semi-final of their disciplines.

The ASCA top 12 rankings are (regional champions in bold):

Australian Baristas: