Veneziano Coffee Roasters will host its inaugural Barista Battle competition on 23 June.
Described as ‘not your usual smackdown’, Veneziano says baristas will compete in three knockout rounds testing their latte art, sensory and brewing skills.
In the first round, ‘Pour Party’, 24 competitors will go head-to-head, spinning a wheel to determine what latte art shape they will pour. According to Veneziano, judges will be looking at creativity, contrast, and symmetry.
Round two, ‘Slurp It’, will consist of the 12 remaining baristas battling it out using their sensory skills. Just like a cup tasters’ competition, there will be three cups. Two cups are identical, and one is different. There will be five triangulations and competitors will only have five minutes to complete the round. The top six most accurate and fastest baristas will continue and earn their spot in the final round.
In the final round, ‘Do you W60?’, using the Hario W60 designed by Veneziano’s research and development master Pete Licata and a Microlot from Cafe Imports, competitors will present a delicious brew to the judges. Competitors will have 15 minutes to dial in the coffee and five minutes brewing time.
Competitor tickets go live on Tuesday 7 June 2022 at 5:00pm AEST. All ticket sales will be donated to the Cancer Council, helping to support those impacted by cancer.
The first-place champion will win $1500. They will also receive Acaia Pearl Brewing Scales and 250 grams of Veneziano’s latest Pinnacle Coffee from Café Granja La Esperanza.
The runner-up will receive $500 and 250 grams of Veneziano’s Pinnacle Coffee from Café Granja La Esperanza.
The third-place victor will win a La Marzocco Skateboard and 250 grams of Veneziano’s latest Pinnacle Coffee.
Thanks to Cafe Imports, the top six finalists will also take home a microlot coffee and a W60 brewer from Hario.
To purchase a ticket, click here.