Edmonton Welcomes the 2017 Barista Competition of Western Canada
An invitation for the coffee-curious to experience the most northern barista competition in North America
Edmonton, Alberta - July 27, 2017: The Barista Competition of Western Canada will take place for the first time in Edmonton on Sunday, July 30th . This year, 11 competitors Western Qualifiers will be going head-to-head at Transcend Coffee Ritchie Café during the public event, battling to qualify for the 2017 Nationals. Within less that 15 minutes, each barista will create a set of three espresso-based drinks and present to selected sensory judges.
Simply, the competitors will be tasked with impressing the judges with the use of espresso, cappuccino (or milk-based drink), and a special signature drink that highlights the flavours of the origin of the coffee. Judges for the competition have attended an online training course and will rigorously prepare with several espressos to hone and calibrate their taste buds the day before competition. The feedback they provide helps baristas improve their skills, push professionalism and innovation, and further bring the industry together.
The 11 competitors are:
- Calvin Kuo, Rocanini Coffee Roasters, Vancouver BC
- Alexander Tarrant, Odyssey Coffeehouse, Calgary AB
- Jordan Jeschke, Transcend Coffee, Edmonton AB
- Kris Wu, Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Company, Burnaby BC
- Nelson Phu, Rosso Coffee Roasters, Calgary AB
- Ayaka Honda, Vancouver BC
- Jill Hoff, Monogram Coffee Calgary AB
- Ben Put, Monogram Coffee, Calgary AB
- David Kim, Phil & Sebastian, Calgary AB
- Tyler Clark, Transcend Coffee, Edmonton AB
- Cole Torode, Rosso Coffee Roasters, Calgary AB
The top eight competitors advance to Nationals in Vancouver and the winner will represent Canada at the World Barista Championship in Seoul, South Korea in November, 2017.
A Public Invitation – Complimentary Admission
Friends, families, coffee-curious and hungry-humans are encouraged to attend the competition, participate in the festivities, and taste some of the delicious competition coffee.
Time: 11 am - 4 pm
Location: Transcend Coffee Ritchie Café, The Richie Market
Address: 9570 76 Avenue NW
Hashtag: #LetsWQBC
Media
Media interviews with head Judges, Mike Strumpf and Josh Hockin (Canadian Barista Champion 2011) can be scheduled during judge training on Saturday. Three-time Canadian Barista Champion, Ben Put will also be returning to defend the title this weekend, after representing Canada on the world stage at the 2014, 2015, 2016 World Barista Competition.
Volunteers Needed
The Specialty Coffee Association Canada is looking for vibrant and coffee-loving volunteers to help out during the competition. Positions include stage runners and helpers. Any support provided will help make this a memorable Edmontonian welcome!
About Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) - Canadian Chapter
Specialty Coffee Association, Canadian chapter, was officially formed in May and is part of the international member association of SCA. The purpose for SCA is to bring together the specialty coffee industry and to serve the community with transparency and inclusion.
The Canadian chapter is building new communication channels to engage the specialty coffee industry and consumers within Canada to educate, collaborate, and inform as one united support system. The SCA Canadian chapter is a volunteer-based organization.
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Media Contacts
Vania Ling
604 351 1853
OCanadaSCA@gmail.com
CoffeePotluck@gmail.com
Josh Hockin
780 709 7946
OCanadaSCA@gmail.com
josh@transcendcoffee.com
