11th Mar 2009 - 00:00
Abstract
Gwilym Davies, an independent barista running coffee carts in central London, will represent the UK in the World Barista Championships after winning a prestigious coffee competition held at ScotHot exhibition last week (4 March).
Following three days of tough competitions, Gwilym out performed the 24 other semi finalists and was crowned the UK Barista Champion (UKBC).
Each competitor had 15 minutes to make four cappuccinos, four espressos and four of their own 'signature' drinks. As well as the flavour and texture of the drinks, the baristi were judged on presentation, professionalism, attention to detail and knowledge of their chosen coffee's provenance.
Keeping the presentation simple and letting the coffee speak for itself, Davie's winning signature drink was a 50/50 blend of a Finca San Jose Pulped Natural Red Catuai from Erwin Mierisch and family in Nicaragua, and an El Molino de Santa Rita Washed Orange Bourbon from Jose Antonio Salaverrias farm in El Salvador. He used melted unsalted butter, grated orange zest, vahlrona chocolate, muscovado syrup and ground cinnamon to amplify the characteristics of the coffee.
Davies comments on the win: "The win has been the result of working so long in the industry and my love of coffee. But it isn't really about me, it's about all the people in the chain including the farmers and the roasters – I've simply tried to do justice to the coffee and today's coffee equipment."
He goes on to talk about his businesses in London: "Coffee carts make coffee totally accessible to everyone and means that we don't have any of the operational worries of a fixed site. We can concentrate on serving really great coffee, made just the way we like it."
Davies added: "I just quietly make coffee, I love learning about it and I love teaching people how to make coffee. I'm excited about representing UK Baristas and helping to increase the profile of the championships amongst customers and coffee shops in London."