Barista Competition

Last night I was watching some video from the U.S. Barista Championships going on this weekend. If you've never seen one it's quite interesting to watch.

A barista has 15 minutes to prepare and serve espresso, cappuccino, and a personal specialty drink to four judges. There are two judges who watch every movement they make so they are judged on their technical skills. In short, the competition is about technical skills and sensory experience. All the while the barista talks to the judges and explains step by step what they're doing, and what they want to accomplish with their drink.

These people take their jobs very seriously, and are both servers and artists. This video gives you a taste of what it's like.

Having made drinks like this in the past, I can't imagine trying to perfect the drink, but also describing your actions and "performing" at the same time. My hat is off to these folks.

Charlie