I watched The World Barista Championship taking place in Copenhagen, Denmark.via a Live streaming video from the other side of the world and from the Baristas that I were able to see compete there were a few top notch presentations. Barista Champions from the following countries competed in Day 1, they included: Argentina, China, Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, United Kingdom, Singapore, Finland, Kenya, Israel, Guatemala, New Zealand, Austria and Canada. To me the best presentation and performance was Mike Yung from Caffe Artigiano in Vancouver, Canada, his signature beverage was made with Mission Figs and Espresso along with other interesting ingredients such as black sea salt and he even made his own water. John Muli, from Nairobi Java House in Kenya had a great presentation with amazing pours and good music, it was nice to see Kenya partake in the World Barista Championship. Alexi from Israel combined Jewish and Arab ingredients representative of no more war in the Middle East.

The World Barista Championship is almost like Olympic games for professional coffee makers - baristas. The Championship was held in Copenhagen, Denmark in June that included the top Baristas from all over the world in competition.

By: Richard Wolak

POSTED: Thursday, June 19, 2008