Some of the world’s best baristas are ready to do battle for the title of New York Coffee Master 2016.

The competition is taking place from 16 – 18 September at the 69th Regiment Armory, 68 Lexington Avenue in Manhattan, United States.

In 2015, Sensory Lab’s Ben Morrow won the inaugural Coffee Masters New York City competition, and only recently won the 2016 London Coffee Masters event.

This year Isaac Kim of Canberra’s Ona Coffee will represent Australia in the international competition.

Isaac is one of the 16 finalists vying for the Coffee Masters NYC title,  £5000 prize – and a giant novelty cheque for the mantlepiece.

For his signature drink application video Isaac created the Collins No. 5. It includes homemade persimmon shrub, peach and pear schnapps from wildbrumby distillery, St Germain elderflower liqueur, Archie Rose white rye spirit, homemade orange and coffee bitters, and sparkling mineral water and a Colombian Lot Tambo washed Sudan Rume espresso. To see Isaaca’s siganture drink video and recipe click here.

Coffee Masters is a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary global barista tournament designed by Allegra Events and coffee creative duo DunneFrankowski.

The knockout format of Coffee Masters sees baristas from across the globe go head-to-head to demonstrate their skills in Cupping, Brewing, Latte Art, The Order Challenge, The Signature Drink and, in the event they make it through to the semi-finals, The Espresso Blend round. The six past-faced challenges are designed to emulate the busy working environment of a professional barista.

Issac is excited for the chance to represent Australia and compare his own skill set against some of the world’s best.

“The WBC is about the coffee itself and how it tastes, but this competition is about the mastery of coffee. The format is very varied and a true reflection of a barista’s work environment. It’s also one I think I can have a lot of fun with,” Isaac says.

Critiquing the selected baristas on their skill, technique, timing, presentation, and creativity in the cup will be an impressive line-up of international judges.

The New York Coffee Festival is New York’s flagship coffee event, celebrating the city’s burgeoning specialty coffee scene. Now in its second year, the festival will feature live experiences from more than 70 coffee, food and equipment suppliers. Visitors will enjoy endless free coffee tastings, demonstrations from world-class baristas, delicious street food, intoxicating coffee cocktails, live music, art, and much more.

The Festival’s Lab program will features an exciting line-up of interactive demonstrations, workshops, talks and tastings from industry experts. Attendees can see a screening of Australia’s The Coffee Man, following 2015 World Barista Champion Sasa Sestic’s pursuit of excellence, and visit La Marzocco’s True Artisan Café which invites guests to sample and party on down with a line-up of top baristas who’ll be creating unique menus especially for festival goers.

To purchase a ticket to the event click here.

For more information visit www.newyorkcoffeefestival.com/Home

BeanScene wishes Isaac the best of luck!