This year Central stepped their game up.

18 of this region’s most skilled and professional Barista came to win.  This year a different approach was taken to the Head Judge role, as there were 3 Co-Head Judges. Josh DelSol of Level Ground, Matt Lee of Manic Coffee, and COAG’s own Elizabeth Forrester shared the responsibility and both the other judges and the competitors benefited from the shared knowledge and guidance. Three heads can sometimes be better than one.

As a sensory judge, I was able to experience what a number of the competitors had to offer. What people may not know about the judges is that we are there because we want the Barista to do well. We want each of them to win. We have a passion for coffee and for the Barista profession, which is why we are there. So often you can see the nerves of a competitor, you can feel the anxiety, and so we do our best to omit positive vibes to put the Barista at ease. I try my very best with each handshake before the performance to give the biggest smile and most sincere ‘good luck’ I can manage.

This year I was more impressed than ever with what each Barista brought to their performance, not just in the cup but in their skill and professionalism. Each year we become a more and more polished region and it is so exciting.

Go Team Central!

-Emily