August 6, 2007

Best Barista in the World - WBC Champ

James Hoffman of the United Kingdom won the 2007 World Barista Championship in Tokyo. Hoffman, who finished fifth in last year’s WBC, also received accolades for preparing the competition’s best signature drink. This drink included a tobacco infused cream with biscotti foam and milk chocolate; wow, now that’s pretty indulgent. I guess if you hang out in smoke filled cafes, you’ll get a tobacco infused drink anyway.

Heather Perry of Coffee Klatch Roasting in San Dimas, California recorded the highest finish by an American in the WBC and was also recognized for serving the competition’s best espresso. Perry won the 2007 United States Barista Championship in May. If you visit the Coffee Klatch roasting website, you can purchase the coffee blend that Heather Perry used to win the US championship in May. For a few bucks more, you can purchase the blend that went to the World Chamionship and came in second place. Pretty cool.

2007 WBC Results:
1. James Hoffman - United Kingdom
2. Heather Perry - United States
3. Carl Sara - New Zealand
4. Miyuki Miyamae - Japan
5. Anna Kaeppeli - Switzerland
6. Silvia Magalhaes – Brazil

WBC competitors must prepare and serve 12 coffee beverages, including four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks of their own creation within a 15 minute timeframe. The judges evaluated the entrants on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression. The WBC encourages and recognizes professional achievement in the art and skill of espresso preparation and service.