BARISTA PROFILES WORLD COFFEE IN GOOD SPIRITS CHAMPION Meet the new When a two-time Australia Barista The drink was served in a glass rimmed MATT PERGER Champion took to the stage as the final with cinnamon icing. competitor in the World Coffee in Good “I chose these flavours because they Spirits (WCIGS) Championship, it wasn’t partner so well together. I looked for surprising that he performed to a packed ingredients that bring out the best in the world champions arena. coffee, rather than overpower it,” says The crowd erupted with the Matt. World Coffee Events and the Australian Specialty Coffee Association culmination of Matt’s routine, which saw Matt has been a stand out performer on him popping open a bottle of champagne the coffee competition scene for six years (ASCA) held seven competitions throughout April and May. These are before the announcement of the results. now, as the Australia Barista Champion Moments later, Matt had reason to (2011 and 2013), World Brewers Cup the victors. raise the glass again as the judges called Champion (2012), and Runner-up at the his name as the new WCIGS champion. World Barista Championship (2013). “It was really unexpected and “I love being a part of the competitions, 2014 WORLD LATTE ART CHAMPION obviously really exciting,” says Matt. there’s a really great atmosphere here at It was an emotional moment as Germany’s Championships, Christian put a pause “As always the competition on the MICE today, especially which such a big CHRISTIAN ULLRIch Christian Ullrich held tightly onto Italy’s on his workload in April to practice his world stage was really tight and it crew from St Ali down here to support and Chiara Bergonzi, as they waited to designs. He says he used at least 350 litres was impossible to predict the judges’ cheer me along. We’re a bit of a family at hear who would be crowned the 2014 of milk practicing for the competition. decision.” St Ali and I’m glad I could bring in a good World Latte Art Champion. When the He also took advantage of Dalla Corte’s Supported by a big team from St result for them,” he added. announcement was made, Christian could dc campus training opportunities, held Ali in Melbourne, Matt impressed the Matt is now ready to take a break, hardly hide his elation. Up against some in mid-April in Milan, Italy. The camps, judges with his two Irish Coffees, and and says he doesn’t have any more tight competition, his execution of a turtle which are co-sponsored by Mahlkoenig two original coffee cocktails. competitions planned for this year. design was enough to win over the judges. and Urnex, invite national latte art Matt’s signature coffee cocktail was “For now I’ll continue working Christian is handicapped, missing to champions from around the world to inspired by Christmas cake, with a mix with St Ali and doing what I love most top half of four of his fingers. As a result, take part in mock competitions, as well of Kraken Black Spiced Rum, Grand which is making really good coffee – he says he has a “special technique” that as preparation workshops. It was at this Marnier, Morris of Rutherglen Muscat I’m not planning on resting for too long adds that extra bit of interest to his routine: training opportunity that he came up with and espresso roasted by Sensory Lab. though!” “While most baristas use their hands, I use the winning turtle design. my entire body.” Brita Professional sponsored Christian Christian is an independent coffee to travel to Melbourne to compete. trainer and consultant, having worked as a “BRITA is proud to have helped freelance barista since 2010. Christian says Christian on his journey to the World latte art is his favourite part of preparing Latte Art Championship and we are very coffee: “I started with latte art because I like excited and proud of his win,” says Tim that it makes my guests smile.” Bonaguro, National Sales Manager for Brita enjoy To prepare for the World Latte Art Professional. a great cup of 2014 WORLD CUP TASTERS CHAMPION Taiwan’s Pang-Yu Liu has proven that preparations so I felt confident.” “ PAng-YU LIU “ casual lakeside dining hard work and dedication pay off – even if Pang-Yu is an independent cup taster the ultimate dining on the waters edge you’ve only been cupping for one year. who works at his family’s restaurant. “My experience with “I’m so excited win the world father loves coffee and was a cup tasters of narrabeen lake. championship. I’ve been training extremely so I followed his passion and I’ve since stunning views over hard for this event – all day every day with before a certified Q grader,” he says. “I family friendly and pet my coach, for the past two months since I entered the National Taiwan Cup Tasting narrabeen lake” won the Taiwan championship,” he says. Championship to further expand my friendly outdoor seating Pang-Yu’s quick hands and accurate experiences and learn from the community available” tasting was enough to beat the United of cuppers. I never thought I’d be the world States’ Amanda Juris who came in second champion, it’s very exciting.” place, Finland’s Panu Reinikainen in third Since winning, Pang-Yu has trained with Open 7 days for lunch and dinner at Open 7 days for breakfast and lunch place, and The Netherland’s Yoeri Joosten his mentor Shih-Ru Wang and Lulu Wang Upper Level 11 Narrabeen St Lower Level 11 Narrabeen St in fourth place. Pang-Yu Liu has become of Just Go Coffee, which they say have Narrabeen NSW 2101 Limani Narrabeen NSW 2101 not only the first Taiwanese World Cup “passed on all their master knowledge”. For reservations For reservations phone (02) 99701999 Seafood phone (02) 99138938 Tasters Champion, but the first ever from an As part of his prize, Pang-Yu will www.limani.com.au www.theboatshedcafe.com.au Asian country. travel to Panama to with Toby’s Estate. Restaurant “I was completely focused on the “I was just so excited and honoured to & competition and the job I had to do, come to Melbourne to meet the world’s but my intuition definitely help me best cuppers,” he says. “I look forward to The Boatshed win,” says Pang-Yu. “Today’s coffee travelling to origin later in the year, it’s Café & Bar rounds were very challenging but I something I’ve always wanted to do but had practiced a similar situation in my never had the opportunity, until now.” Narrabeen 78 beanscenemag.com.au today!.