Sunday, August 31, 2008

Beans Leaves and Love ... and lots more


Just this past weekend J&N had a mini festival at their roastery. Lots of their customers distributers and friends were invited to spend time and meet new people. A very kind gesture! That same weekend I was working for J&N at the tradeshow, looking after a coffee machine and making a thousand lattes, so missed out on all the activities that the guys put together, but still got to go to the party on Friday night.

Congratulations to David Haugaard for winning the first ever AeroPress competition, his claims his success was hidden in the amazing water imported from Wales. David made me a cup of his amazing misty valley coffee that I felt in love with there and then, just superb!

I would love to congratulate everyone at J&N for putting on a great show. For me it was a great time to see all the people that I’ve met at exhibitions and trade shows. I was very surprised and delighted to see Conal from espresso warehouse, everyone had a great time drinking together and shaking it on the dancefloor.

Thank you J&N ...

Saturday, August 30, 2008

'09-'11 WBC machine and grinder sponsors are ...


As from last night the new sponsors of the WBC were announced, congratulations to Nuova Simonelli and Mahlkönig for securing sponsorship rights for 2009 – 2011. The official machine will be the Aurelia and K30 grinders. Both of the manufacturers will have their hands full for next couple of years I hope that they do a good job at living up to all the expectations.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Complete Summary of Changes to WBC Rules & Regulations for 2009


The changes to the WBC Rules & Regulations, WBC Score Sheets, and WBC scoring system were proposed by, discussed among, and agreed upon by members of all of the WBC committees as well as the WBC Board of Directors. The changes have incorporated feedback from competitors and judges around the world. The changes can be characterized as providing competition baristas with more options and creating less stringent guidelines for WBC requirements in performances, with a greater emphasis on coffee presentation and coffee quality, while continuing to advance the craft of baristas and specialty coffee.


“The Grinder rule”

No change has been made to the grinder rule. Competitors retain the option to use the provided WBC sponsor grinder or bring their own grinder.

Previous Version (2007/2008)

New Version (2009)

TECHNICAL SCORE SHEET


Shot times within 20-30 seconds range

Shot times within 3-second variance.

Competitor earns point if extraction times are within 3.0 seconds of each other.

(Shot times of 20-30 seconds is still recommended.)

Tech judges visually evaluated espresso for cappuccino and signature beverage.

Tech judges do not visually evaluate shots. Item removed from score sheets.

Understands Grinder

Score 0-6 points

Station Management

Score 0-6 points

Tech judges award points based on competitorʼs workflow during performance including management of station, equipment (grinder, espresso machtools and movement around station.

SENSORY SCORE SHEET


Sugar required as an accessory.

Sugar no longer part of service.

All 4 beverages served simultaneously.

Simultaneous service of beverages no longer required. Competitor may serve beverages to judges when ready. Judges will evaluate beverages when served.

(All four beverages within drink category must be served before moving on to next category.)

SENSORY SCORE SHEET (continued)


Total score calculated by averaging tech scores and adding tech score to each sensory score sheet.

Total points possible: 1012.

Tech points: 356 points (35%)

Sensory points: 656 points (65%)

Scores from each of the six judges are simply added together. Sensory scores weigh more heavily towards total score.

Total points possible: 870.

Tech points: 154 points (18%)

Sensory points: 716 points (82%)

In the event of a tie score, competitor with the most number of 6ʼs on score sheets (sensory and tech) wins tie. If no 6ʼs, then 5ʼs, etc.

In the event of a tie score, competitor with the highest total sensory score for espresso evaluation wins tie. If still tied, moves to cappuccino score, then signature beverage.


Additional Changes

  • Sensory judges will follow a new protocol for evaluating espresso and cappuccino. (These procedures are detailed in the Judgeʼs section of the WBC Rules & Regulations document).
  • Additional language has been added to the Judgeʼs section about “Presentation: Professionalism/Dedication/Passion,” encouraging competitors to create a more engaging presentation with a focus on coffee information.
  • Competitors may not use the space below the workstation for storage of wares used during the competition.
  • No liquids, of any kind (water, ingredients, etc.) may be placed on top of the espresso machine.



Monday, August 18, 2008

2009 WBC Rules and Regulations

WBC committee has published Rules and Regulations for 2009, I will read the rules in details tomorrow to find out what the changes are. Please feel free to share your opinions on the new changes ...


[edit: 20/08/08]
Few noticeable changes are:

The sugar is no longer needs to be served at the judges table

2.2.1 - H "Espressos must be served to the judges with a spoon, napkin and water."


There is no specific time in which the shots "should" be extracted
.
2.2.1 - E "
Extraction time is recommended to be between 20 to 30 seconds; however not mandatory."

Judges MUST stir the espresso before drinking, unless stated by barista not to.
17.2.3 - "Using a spoon, the sensory judge will give the espresso shot THREE stirs"
"Competitors may override the evaluation criteria by giving the judges specific instructions ..."


Score sheets are now added up in one lump sum, rather than average scores

There have been rumours that only WBC sponsor grinders will be allowed, those speculations are false. Barista will be able to bring their own grinder with any modifications.

Extraction of both partafilters at the same time is still allowed, so as Stephen did last year you can grind the first one and sit it aside for as long as you want.


Sunday, August 17, 2008

Caffè Latte Splash


pictures describe a thousand words ...