Monthly Archives: May 2011

Espresso, Ristretto, Espresso, Ristretto.

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Global Citizen

So this may be kind of an old conversation for the folk in the States but I have been dragged into this conversation many times since I have been back in Australia. Particularly when I order an espresso and I … Continue reading →

Posted in Being Barista | Leave a comment

Representing the UK in Bogota: John Gordon

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Global Citizen

Representing the UK at the World Barista Championships in 2011 in Bogota! Also a brief glimpse into the UK’s baristas and competition culture.

Posted in 2011 World Barista Championship. Bogota, Colombia | Leave a comment

New crop from Kenya and coffee prices

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Global Citizen

A lot of you have probably already noted that the coffee prices have been rising a lot during the last year. Only a week ago the C-market (based on future contracts on coffee where prices are set by speculation on … Continue reading →

Posted in Coffee Industry | Leave a comment

Big Shots Best Baristas in the Country Create Buzz at Coffee Competition

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Global Citizen

by Megan Giller The hip-hop beat drops, and onstage, the barista jumps along. His voice rises, explaining his coffee’s taste profile over the sharp whir and clank as he grinds espresso beans, then quickly pulls four perfect shots. He approaches … Continue reading →

Posted in 2011 World Barista Championship. Bogota, Colombia | Leave a comment

How sweet is your cup?

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Global Citizen

Sweetness (taste sensation based on sucrose ( is the organic compound commonly known as table sugar and sometimes called saccharose. A white, odorless, crystalline powder with a sweet taste, it is best known for its role in human nutrition.) is … Continue reading →

Posted in Roasters | 2 Comments

Balancing act-Sweetness

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Global Citizen

The “golden period” of roasting where the color of the once-green coffee bean changes from pale yellow to bright orange. The roasters gently heat the beans and maintain a low minute-to-minute temperature increase. It is in this stage of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Roasters | Leave a comment

Japan’s Specialty Coffee Scene

Posted on May 5, 2011 by Global Citizen

Months before tragedy struck the Pacific nation, Aimee Sics toured the cafés leading Japanese coffee drinkers away from canned coffee and towards a quality cup. Photography by Grant Molony At time of writing, Japan was leading the way on coffee consumption among … Continue reading →

Posted in Coffee Industry | Leave a comment

UK Coffee leaders take lessons from Australians

Posted on May 5, 2011 by Global Citizen

Shelagh Ryan, the founder of London-based Lantana Café, spoke at the Allegra UK Coffee Leaders Summit last month, saying that their operators can learn from Australia’s highly evolved coffee industry, where the third wave independent operator is king. Shelagh said … Continue reading →

Posted in Coffee Industry | Leave a comment

PETE LICATA – United States 2011 Barista Champion

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Global Citizen

The United States Barista Championship (USBC) is a regional and national competition designed to highlight the craft of the barista and espresso-based beverage production. The annual competition cycle consists of 6 regional events that lead up to the US Barista … Continue reading →

Posted in Events | Leave a comment

Fix Coffee Hosting Latte Art Throwdown Benefitting Japan

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Global Citizen

On Friday May 6th from 7:30pm to 10pm Fix Coffee (www.fixcoffeeco.com) will be hosting a Latte Art Throwdown event to raise money and send supplies to Japan. Specifically Fix will be sending donations to Takashimaya Coffee shop and roaster. Takashimaya … Continue reading →

Posted in Events | Leave a comment