Qld Barista Competition

The Qld leg of the AASCA Barista competition was held in Brisbanes Queen St mall a few weeks ago. Pioneer Coffee was represented by Kate Clarke, our head barista at the roastery.

Over the weekend the Australasian Specialty Coffee Association, (AASCA, www.aasca.com ) held the Qld state final of the Australian Barista Competition. The competition is run in accordance to the WBC (world barista championship) format with competitors competing for the national title and a trip to Copenhagen to represent Australia later this year. Local Yandina resident and Head Barista of Pioneer Coffee, Kate Clarke, entered this year and placed very well amongst some of Qld’s best baristas. The competition puts baristas skill both technically and sensory to the test as well as judging professionalism, creativity, and passion.

Kate is a first time competitor in this the ultimate coffee competition and placed a very respectable 5th place, gaining the professional recognition she has worked hard for over the last 3 years. The competition involves baristas making 4 cappuccinos, 4 espressos, and 4 signature beverages. Baristas are judged and scored on technical aptitude, as well as the taste and appearance of their beverages. Kate scored very highly especially with her signature drink the Yandina Screamer, a cocktail type espresso beverage with ginger, macadamia, and chocolate.



AASCA certified barista judge, Jason Joffe, says the level of skill and professionalism this year was a huge step up from last year, showing that there are a few places doing as good a coffee as our southern state neighbors. With so many cafes on the Sunshine Coast, Jason was disappointed that there was only 1 competitor from the coast. “It is a great chance to showcase your skill, and win or lose it’s a fantastic opportunity for baristas to lift their game”. In order to ensure that the coast is not left behind next year, Jason will be holding free “Barista Jams” for Sunshine Coast baristas in order to help everyone to get a better coffee on the coast. “Personally I believe that the aim of these competitions is to lift everyone’s coffee making standards. I will be satisfied the day I can walk into any café and have a great coffee. At the moment I think there would be less than 10 on the Sunshine Coast where I would be happy with the level of coffee being served.”

Any baristas interested in local “Jams” should register their details with Jason at Pioneer Coffee. The get together will be a place to discuss ideas, techniques, coffee, and hopefully put together a team that will travel to Brisbane and have Barista Jams with some of Qld’s best baristas.