Jason Loo Hsien Yuen was all smiles when he was crowned the Grand Champion at the 4th Malaysia Barista Championship (MBC). And he had much reason to.
In addition to winning himself a 4D/5N holiday and coffee tour in Melbourne, with access to the Melbourne International Coffee Expo, Loo also received the opportunity to witness the World Barista Championship 2013, which will take place in Melbourne in May 2013, all courtesy of Tourism Victoria.
However, that was not all he won. He also took home a Nuova Simonelli Musica V 1Group coffee machine sponsored by Dankoff Coffee. In recognition for his win, Global Coffee Resources also awarded Loo with an all-expense paid 3D/2N coffee farm tour in the Gayo Highlands.
The much-anticipated 4th Malaysia Barista Championship 2013 was co-organized by Racing Creatures Sdn Bhd and Barista Guild Asia with the support of Malaysia Barista Committee to a crowd of industry leaders, media and the public. The event showcased coffee centric vendor and presented the best of the nation’s baristas in the battle for the title of Grand Champion.
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At the Malaysia Barista Championship, contestants had 15 minutes to set up their work area and another 15 minutes to make four espressos, four cappuccino and finally four espresso-based non-alcoholic speciality drinks. The drinks were then judged by one Head Judge, two Technical Judges and four Sensory Judges.
The competitors were judged on four criteria: taste evaluation, beverage presentation, barista technique and personal presentation. The standards were high. Each barista had to produce top-notch beverages and serve them in a professional manner – an art form that takes months of training and dedication to perfect.
Sixteen baristas from all over the country took part in the contest, displaying their talent in the art and science of specialty coffee. They comprised of baristas, coffee shop owners, coffee consultants and barista trainers. These included baristas from well-established cafes such as Red Bean Bag, Top Brew, Departure Lounge and Butter+Beans to name a few.
For more information about the Malaysia Barista Championship 2013, hit up their Facebook page.
