Newly crowned World Barista Champion Jack Simpson has paid special tribute to his coffee suppliers, Jamison Savage Jonathan Gasca, in an exclusive interview with BeanScene following his victory.
Jack – who is Axil Coffee Roasters’ Head of Innovation – used the Jamison’s natural Panamanian coffee from Finca Deborah – Nirvana and Jonathan’s natural Colombian coffee from Finca Zarza in his recent Australian Barista Championship win.
“When I first decided to compete this year I was visiting Jamison, I was visiting Jonathan,” says Jack.
“To do this with them behind me, this is a win for them as much as it is for me.
“It means the world. I think having done three competitions in a row I’m really happy I won with this performance.”
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This year’s crowning achievement was by no means a solo effort from Jack with the support of his coffee producers.
He praised the efforts and support of the wider Axil team, as well as some people within his inner circle.
“We’ve had the same team for a number of years. I think with the guys – Dave and Matt – and my partner Gabby, we’re a very strong group that challenges each other a lot, and I think that’s been the key to success.
“These guys don’t tell me how good I am, every day they were focusing on the details and seeing how we can improve every step.”
After finishing third in 2023 and second in 2024, Jack says to finally reach the pinnacle of the competition was immensely satisfying.
“I’m still processing it now,” he says.
“I’ve been thinking about it for years and years, but once your name gets called it’s almost like a relief.”
