Harry Lin has won The Alternative Dairy Co’s first Alternative Barista Smackdown, which took place on 13 October at Paradox Coffee Roasters’ Sydney roastery.
Amos Sharma Chapagain was runner-up and Dao Pirada Tunggbenjaphol came in third place.
The Sydney coffee community turned-up with over 100 spectators cheering on the 26 baristas who went head-to-head in a fast-paced, knock-out style latte art competition using Paradox Coffee Roasters’ specialty Penny Lane blend and Alternative plant-based milk.
In a head-to-head battle each competitor used a free pour pattern with three different Alternative milks with the best out of three the overall winner. Harry’s swan, sea horse and heart made with soy, almond and oat milk took out the top spot of the night and earned him $1000 in prize money.
Judging the smackdown was the 2022 Australian Latte Art Champion, Amy Zhang, Paradox Coffee Roasters Training Manager, Melita Ferraro and accredited World Latte Art judge, Sam Taylor.
Baristas placed their latte art creation side by side on the judges table with the judges placing a pin next to the best latte art as determined by the definition and contrast between the milk and espresso, clearly defined lines, and the ability of the barista to achieve the complex pattern.
The next Alternative Barista Smackdown in the national tour will take place on 24 November at Darkstar Coffee Roasters in Osborne Park, Western Australia.
For more information, visit altdairyco.com or paradoxroasters.com
