Sydney roaster White Horse Coffee has won the Silver Medal in the Espresso category at the Golden Bean World Series in Guatemala from 17 to 20 February.
The award winning blend, End of the Line – Cronulla Beach Blend, includes beans from Ethiopia, Burundi, and Colombia, and was inspired by South Sydney icon Cronulla Beach, which is the last stop at the end of the train line – hence ‘End of the Line’.
“This year Brian, our head roaster, took complete control of our End of the Line blend. Like every year, he does an excellent job,” says White Horse Head of Coffee and Co-Founder, Dominick Majdandzic
“We’ve been competing in Golden Bean for numerous years now. What I’ve learned is, never build an expectation. So I suppose the result of getting a silver medal for End of the Line was more than what I had expected. We are thrilled.”
He adds that the competition is tightly contested and the difference between a gold and silver medal can be the slightest dryness or bitterness in the cup.
“The real win year after year from competing in the competition is exposure. Exposure to new people and to their roasting styles. Building new relationships and the joy of sharing with industry peers is what brings me back to the event year after year.”
Lead Coffee Roaster, Conan, says the competition was fierce, with many talented roasters showcasing complex roast profiles.
“While I’m thrilled with our success in the espresso category, I was disappointed that our End of the Line blend didn’t place in the Milk category. I truly believed its expressive and enjoyable flavours, particularly as a flat white, would have distinguished it in the competition. I find it reminiscent of a piña colada, which I thought would be unique and appealing,” he says.
“Regardless, I’m honoured to have been part of such a prestigious event and to have competed alongside such skilled roasters.”
End of the Line is available in Australia for a limited time, in White Horse Coffee stores and online.
