The New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association (NZSCA) is set to host the 2017 New Zealand Cup Tasters and Brewers Cup Championship this weekend from 17 – 18 March.
On Friday 17 March, from 5.30pm to 9.30pm, competitors will test their skill in the Cup Tasters event at L’affare Melrose in Auckland.
This event will reward the coffee cupper who demonstrates speed, skill and accuracy in distinguishing the taste differences in specialty coffees.
In this competition format, the objective is for the cupper to discriminate between the different coffees. Three cups are placed in a triangle, with two cups being identical coffees and one cup being a different coffee. Using skills of smell, taste, attention and experience, the cupper will identify the odd cup in the triangle as quickly as they can.
A total of eight triangles are placed in each round. The top eight competitors with the most correct answers and the fastest time proceed to the next Semi-Finals round. The top four will compete again in the Final round to determine the NZ Cup Tasters Champion.
On Saturday 18 March from 10am to 4pm, the NZSCA will host its national Brewers Cup at John Burton in Elerslie, Auckland.
The Brewers Cup competition highlights the craft of filter coffee brewing by hand, promoting manual coffee brewing and service excellence.
Competitors will prepare and serve three individual beverages for a panel of judges. The NZ Championship consists of two rounds: a compulsory service and an open service.
Both competitions will be held in strict accordance with World Coffee Event’s rules and regulations.
All NZSCA competitions are free for public viewing. Come and support the NZ coffee industry and its talented baristas.
The winner of the national competitions will go on to compete in Budapest, Hungary from 13 – 15 June at the World Cup Tasters Championship.
NZSCA will support the winner of national events with flights and accommodation as part of their prize package.
This event is supported thanks to sponsors Ozone Coffee Roasters, Marco, Cafetto, Amc Roastery Supply NZ, Laffare, John Burton and Acme & Co.
For more information visit nzcra.org.nz/