Coffee masters prepare for London competition

Twenty-four contenders from around the world are preparing to compete in seven disciplines at the next Coffee Masters tournament, to be held at The London Coffee Festival from 12 to 15 April, 2018. Coffee Masters is a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary global barista tournament, which takes place annually at The London and New York Coffee Festivals. During the competition, baristas undertake challenges that emulate the busy working environment of a professional barista. The different category rounds include cupping, brewing, latte art, the order challenge, the signature drink, the espresso blend and the origin. These disciplines are designed to test a barista's skill, knowledge, creativity, professionalism and presentation in a head-to-head, fast-paced battle. Entrants have the chance to join a prestigious line-up of world-class baristas and be in with the chance of taking home the £5000 (more than US$7000) cash prize. This year, Coffee Masters will welcome back Anne Lunell as Head Judge. Tim Wendelboe, Freda Yuan, Kris Schackman, Mikaela Wallgren, Sonja Zweidick and David Donde will also take on judging roles. Stepping up to the mic this year as emcees will be Gwilym Davies, Founder of Prufrock Coffee; Jordan Michelman, Co-founder of Sprudge.com; and Lem Butler, United States champion barista. James Wise of Treves and Hyde won last year's London Coffee Masters. His signature drink was called Lo Svizzero, in which he combined a Nicaraguan coffee mermouth from project origin, with campari, fernet-branca amaro, date syrup, and his own chocolate bitters, before shaking.