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 1st Place: Nico Van Der Walt
2nd Place: Jason Higgins
3rd Place: Scott Benson
In its second year the Danes Home Barista Competition (HBC) attracted 68 competitors overall. The Final this year was held at Danes Gourmet Coffee training and showroom at Brookvale with the barista standards increasing from last year. The 2011 HBC winner was Nico Van Der Walt who used the Danes Mocha Gold blend to win in his second attempt after competing last year and placing 3rd.
A close second place went to Jason Higgins, also in his second HBC after placing 2nd last year. Finally with third place going to the dark horse in this year’s competition, Scott Benson. Both first and second place had improved greatly from their performances of last year on both technique and flavour.
The 2011 HBC was not however without its controversy. Nico first called in sick and did not think he was going to be able to make it to the competition, but after a few cold tablets he picked himself up and got to the competition in time to compete since there are no rules at this stage which disqualifies competitors for late arrival. A combination of his cold medication and competition nerves took its toll with his hands shaking so much he stopped to take deep breaths to compose himself which also took him four seconds into penalty time and over the allocated five minutes. Even with a five point deduction for going over time, Nico scraped through as the winner by 1 point. His win came down to the fact that his coffees, both black and in milk, simply tasted better on the day.
One thing is clear, the HBC which this year had prizes totalling almost $8,000, brings with it very serious competitors out to win! This intensity of spirit will herald a new HBC era in 2012 where we will have three judges, tighter rules and regulations, GBC judging criteria, and a reassessed time to complete the presentation. It is also great to know that the majority of the finalist’s plan to return next year bringing their refined A-game and a thirst for victory!
I would like to congratulate all competitors who competed in the heats and final and thank them for their time and efforts.
Paul Jackson |
2011 Home Barista Competition Rules 
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